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Union County’s Social Services Division Employee Wins 2023 CWA Worker of the Year Award

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services would like to extend warm congratulations to Union County employee Ms. Shioban Dominguez for being selected by the NJ Child Support Council with the 2023 County Welfare Agency (CWA) Worker of the Year Award. Ms. Dominguez was presented the award on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Annual NJ CS Conference Luncheon, in the presence of colleagues, family, and friends.

“The Union County Commissioners and I extend our congratulations to Ms. Shioban Dominguez for her extraordinary work that has proven invaluable to the Union County community,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Her efforts and assistance to the Human Services Department in collaborating with clients, co-workers, and our residents have greatly enhanced the department’s quality, and her inspiring work ethic promises a continued positive impact in the future.”

Shioban Dominguez has been an invaluable asset to the Child Support and Paternity (CSP) Unit at Union County since she joined in 2011. She was specifically selected to work in the CSP Unit’s UIFSA-IVD Intergovernmental Unit due to her exceptional skills and qualities, which made her the perfect candidate for the role. Shioban has consistently demonstrated excellent performance throughout her tenure, showcasing her ability to learn and adapt to process changes and work responsibilities. Notably, she has gone above and beyond in her duties, providing exceptional guidance to clients during intricate processes and taking on additional responsibilities during busy or short-staffed periods. Her team members and supervisors have described her as a team player, motivated and caring, and a person who consistently brings insightful suggestions in an effort to improve the department and better assist the families of Union County.

“Ms. Dominguez’s well-deserved recognition as the NJ Child Support Council’s 2023 County Welfare Agency Worker of the Year reflects her dedication and exceptional contributions to our Union County community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Her commitment, adaptability, and genuine care for our residents make her a true asset to our Social Services team and the Union County Board of County Commissioners congratulates her and takes great pride in her achievements.”

Union County’s Social Services Division recognizes the importance of providing the necessary financial and emotional support to custodial parents through the Child Support and Paternity Unit. Their efforts are geared towards promoting the productivity and well-being of children and families, thereby contributing to the overall development of our society.

The Social Services Division is a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. The Department employs over 700 people and serves more than half of the country’s population.

To learn more about the Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs.

Public Info

Union County’s Popular “Weekend of Shredding” Returns in 2024 to Kick Off Recycling Season

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like announce that Union County’s “Weekend of Shredding” will kick off the 2024 shredding season on Saturday, March 23^rd and Sunday, March 24^th.

“We are thrilled to bring back Union County’s ‘Weekend of Shredding’ for 2024, providing a valuable service for residents to securely dispose of sensitive documents,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This initiative not only aids in decluttering homes but contributes to our collective efforts in making Union County a cleaner and more environmentally conscious place to live. I hope everyone will join us and continue to work together for a greener future.”

The two events will take place on the campus of the Union County Vocational Technical School, which is located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Both events will take place in the West Hall (Police Academy) lot. There will be ample signage at both events to direct residents to the shredding site.

Each shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude promptly at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed prior to arrival at the shredding site.

These events are drive-up only and contact-free. Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For information, contact the https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/. The shredding events are for residentially generated paper only. Businesses and business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events. If there is a business that needs guidance on how to shred documents, they can contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning via the online form at ucnj.org/recycle.

For the complete 2024 paper shredding schedule and information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection. The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Public Notices

Public Notice of Hearing on District Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Union County Board of County Commissioners on March 13, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioner Meeting Room on the 6th Floor of the Administration Building located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 (the “Open Public Meetings Act”), for the purpose of hearing persons interested in, or who are affected by, the Board of County Commissioners’ consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Union County District Solid Waste Management Plan described below. The Plan Amendment that is the subject of the Public Hearing has been prepared in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-1 et seq.).

The purpose of the Plan Amendment is to:

(1) INCLUDE THE WASTE MANAGEMENT OF NEW JERSEY, INC. FACILITIES IN ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY, AS THE COUNTY’S DESIGNATED FACILITIES TO WHICH SOLID WASTE TYPES 13, 13C, 23 AND 27 ARE TO BE DIRECTED FOR DISPOSAL, (2) INCORPORATE THE SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE UNION COUNTY UTILITIES AUTHORITY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT OF NEW JERSEY, INC. FOR THE PROVISION OF DISPOSAL SERVICES FOR SOLID WASTE TYPES 13, 13C, 23 AND 27, AND (3) DIRECT ALL SOLID WASTE TYPES 13, 13C, 23 AND 27 TO THE WASTE MANAGEMENT OF NEW JERSEY, INC. FACILITIES IN ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY FOR DISPOSAL, PURSUANT TO REGULATORY WASTE FLOW CONTROL.

The facilities which are the subject of this Plan Amendment are Waste Management of New Jersey, Inc.’s, Front Street Transfer Station, located at 625-647 S. Front Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202 (Block 763, Lot 1; Block 763.01, Lot 1; Block 757, Lots 2 and 3).

The name and address of the Union County District Solid Waste Coordinator is Linda Stender, Acting Executive Director c/o Union County Utilities Authority, 1499 Routes 1&9 North, Rahway, New Jersey.

A copy of the Plan Amendment is available for public inspection at the offices of the Union County Utilities Authority, 1499 Routes 1 & 9 North, Rahway, New Jersey, and at the office of the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, New Jersey, 07207, during regular business hours.

In addition, a link to the Plan Amendment and related documents are available for review on the official website of the Union County Utilities Authority at: http://www.unioncountyutilitiesauthority.org/ucswmp/. Contact James E. Pellettiere at 908-527-4140, or Lisa DaSilva at 732-382-9400, should there be any problem with accessing the link or the documents.

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

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Due to impending inclement weather on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the Union Vicinage will be closed for in-person filings and proceedings. Remote proceedings will continue as scheduled. All employees are to work remotely as per their schedule.

Public Info

Union County Surrogate Office Expands Reach with New Westfield Office

Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudakis proud to announce that the new Surrogate’s Court Office in Westfield for probate and administration services is now open. This expansion is part of the Surrogate Hudak’s 2024 initiatives, aimed at enhancing accessibility for Union County residents.

“This development reflects our dedication to making Surrogate Court services more convenient for Union County residents,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “Probate and administration services are essential for families experiencing loss. By adding a second location in the western half of Union County, our staff can make assistance with these emotional processes more straightforward and easier to access.”

The Surrogate will offer Probate and Administration services in the new Westfield Office, located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue. Appointment-only service will be available on Tuesdays. Residents can conveniently schedule probate and administration appointments through the Surrogate’s Office website, https://ucnj.org/surrogate, or by contacting the Elizabeth office directly at 908-527-4280. The office hours are from 8:30am to 4:00pm, and the last appointment will be accepted at 3:15pm.

“I thank the Union County Board of County Commissioners for their support of this initiative. Their partnership and commitment to our vision plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smoother process for Union County residents.”

The launch of the Westfield office is part of an ongoing effort to modernize and increase accessibility to Surrogate’s Court services. The Surrogate looks forward to advancing the mission of ensuring efficient probate and administration procedures for all Union County residents.

Public Info

Walking on Eggshells – Navigating the Language of Diversity

Monday, March 11, 2024 from 6:30pm-8:30pm:

Training Expectations to Share with Participants:

Participants MUST log onto training as individuals, not in groups
Participants should use a laptop or desktop computer when possible – phones and tablets are permitted but discouraged
Participants should have their cameras on when possible
Participants are expected to take part in polls and conversations
Participants are expected to arrive on time

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Public Info

Improving Access with the Union County Paratransit System

Public Info Public Notices

Public Hearing and Notice of Public Comment Period for Fiscal Year 2022 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

Public Notices

Green Acres Public Notices

Township of Clark
County of Union
State of New Jersey
Public Notice

PURPOSE: Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, is seeking funding through the State of NJ Urban Parks Program [and the Green Acres Program] for improvements at Rahway River Park located at 3 Parkway Drive (Block 179.01, Lot 48) in the Township of Clark and the City of Rahway, Union County, New Jersey.
PROJECT SCOPE: Union County Department of Parks and Recreation proposes to renovate the existing playground facilities at Rahway River Park, specifically the park near the northwest Baseball Fields. A concept plan showing the proposed changes, a preliminary cost estimate, and an environmental impact assessment for the project can be found at: https://ucnj.org/green-acres-grants/ .
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION: The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. The meeting will be held in person, as part of the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Victoria Durbin-Drake, Director of Parks and Recreation vdurbin@ucnj.org at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2^nd floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207.

City of Rahway
County of Union
State of New Jersey
Public Notice

PURPOSE: Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, is seeking funding through the State of NJ Urban Parks Program [and the Green Acres Program] for improvements at Rahway River Park located at 3 Parkway Drive (Block 179.01, Lot 48) in the Township of Clark and the City of Rahway, Union County, New Jersey.
PROJECT SCOPE: Union County Department of Parks and Recreation proposes to renovate the existing playground facilities at Rahway River Park, specifically the park near the northwest Baseball Fields. A concept plan showing the proposed changes, a preliminary cost estimate, and an environmental impact assessment for the project can be found at: https://ucnj.org/green-acres-grants/ .
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION: The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. The meeting will be held in person, as part of the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting at10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Victoria Durbin-Drake, Director of Parks and Recreation vdurbin@ucnj.org at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2^nd floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207.

Township of Clark
County of Union
State of New Jersey
Public Notice

PURPOSE: Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, is seeking funding through the State of NJ Green Acres Stewardship Program for improvements at Oak Ridge Park located at 136 Oak Ridge Road (Block 3, Lot 1) in the Township of Clark, Union County, New Jersey.
PROJECT SCOPE: Union County Department of Parks and Recreation proposes improvements to the historic Homestead Farmhouse and its associated features. This application proposes the architectural rehabilitation of the historic Homestead Farmhouse, demolition of two view-obscuring storage garages located to the west of the farmhouse, and landscaping to represent the historic layout from when the house was constructed in the 18th century A concept plan showing the proposed changes, a preliminary cost estimate, and an environmental impact assessment for the project can be found at: https://ucnj.org/green-acres-grants/.
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION: The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. The meeting will be held in person, as part of the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Victoria Durbin-Drake, Director of Parks and Recreation vdurbin@ucnj.org at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2nd floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207.

Public Hearing Announcement
City of Elizabeth
County of Union
State of New Jersey
Public Notice

PURPOSE: Union County Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking funding through the State of NJ Green Acres Program for improvements at Warinanco Park located at 822-828 Vine St, in the City of Elizabeth and Borough of Roselle Park.
PROJECT SCOPE: Union County proposes to create new playground facilities near the spray park and existing playground at Warinanco Park to comply with Jakes Law Playground Funding. Jakes Law encourages the construction of inclusive playgrounds designed with standards exceeding those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The playground at Warinanco Park will feature a fenced in playground with accessible amenities, a family friendly restroom, an area specifically dedicated to quiet play, and shade structures. A concept plan showing the proposed playground, a preliminary cost estimate, and an environmental impact assessment for the project can be found at: https://ucnj.org/green-acres-grants/.
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION: The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on January 25, 2024 at 6:00. The meeting will be held in person as part of the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Victoria Durbin-Drake, Director of Parks and Recreation vdurbin@ucnj.org 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2nd floor Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207.

Public Hearing Announcement
Roselle Borough
County of Union
State of New Jersey
Public Notice

PURPOSE: Union County Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking funding through the State of NJ Green Acres Program for improvements at Warinanco Park located at 822-828 Vine St, in the City of Elizabeth and Borough of Roselle Park.
PROJECT SCOPE: Union County proposes to create new playground facilities near the spray park and existing playground at Warinanco Park to comply with Jakes Law Playground Funding. Jakes Law encourages the construction of inclusive playgrounds designed with standards exceeding those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The playground at Warinanco Park will feature a fenced in playground with accessible amenities, a family friendly restroom, an area specifically dedicated to quiet play, and shade structures. A concept plan showing the proposed playground, a preliminary cost estimate, and an environmental impact assessment for the project can be found at: https://ucnj.org/green-acres-grants/
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION: The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on January 25, 2024 at 6:00. The meeting will be held in person as part of the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Victoria Durbin-Drake, Director of Parks and Recreation vdurbin@ucnj.org 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2nd floor Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207.

Public Info

Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded Unveils “Growing Together in Union County” Initiatives at 167th Annual Reorganization Meeting

Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded has been selected as Chairwoman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners and announced a series of initiatives for 2024, titled “Growing Together in Union County,” with a few key focuses on enhancing connectivity, inclusivity, supporting seniors, mental health, women’s initiatives, and fostering family connections.

“Union County has always been made up of diverse lives, stories, and aspirations; and the strength of our community comes from the connections between its county government and its residents,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As Chairwoman, while we start the journey of “Growing Together in Union County,” I will be dedicated to breaking down barriers, opening doors, and building a stronger community that promises a brighter future for all residents. Let us continue to work together for an even better Union County, where the bonds of community grow stronger and the seeds of progress are sown for generations to come.”

A lifelong resident of Union County, Palmieri-Mouded was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, and now lives in Westfield with her husband George and their five children: Matthew, Christopher, Nicholas, Ryan and Adeline. The Chairwoman announced her initiatives at the 167^th annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Thursday.

Chairwoman Palmieri-Mouded’s vision includes launching a new app and updating the county’s website for residents’ easy access and senior enrichment programs that focus on social activities, swim lessons, and a Seniors Against Scams program. Addressing mental health, the Chairwoman introduced the Train the Trainer Mental Health Program and she emphasized her support for women, relaunching the Union County Commission on the Status of Women. Her family connections involve a reading and tutoring program, expanded youth programs, a mobile sensory unit, and the purchase of aquatic wheelchairs. Lastly, a motivating literacy initiative, inspired by a young resident, Ben Steinberg, who was present at the reorganization meeting, that will introduce inclusive books in 116 Union County public elementary school libraries.

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli was sworn in for his second term, alongside Union County Commissioners Lourdes Leon, Joseph Bodek, and newly elected Michèle Delisfort, who were sworn in for their terms. Commissioner Bodek, appointed in December 2022, transitions into his first elected term, while Commissioner Leon assumes the role of Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman. The Commissioners also voted on various County advisory board positions and approved the Board’s 2024 schedule and procedural rules.

Residents can find a transcript of this speech on the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.