Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying Thursday evening, July 23, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks 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 – Grant St., Garfield St., River Rd. Area
Clark – Oak Ridge Rd., Feather Bed Ln., Old Raritan Rd., Riverside Dr., Terminal Ave., Miller Ave., King St.
Elizabeth – Clarkson Ave., Spencer St.
Fanwood – Fanwood Pl.
Hillside – Harvard Ave., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area
Kenilworth – Water Co. Rd., Dorset Dr. Area, 200 block S. Michigan Ave.,
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors, their families, and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events this August to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on all dates to provide support in Spanish.
“With our ASK program, we strive to ensure seniors know they have a dependable support system in their community, and in us. This way, they can embrace this new chapter with less fear, and more confidence and peace of mind,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We welcome all seniors and caregivers to meet with one of our friendly professionals at any of our upcoming ASK events to learn more.”
The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.
Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in August:
Tuesday, August 4th
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Thursday, August 13th
Hillside Public Library
1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Thursday, August 20th
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday, August 25th
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
“Our staff at the Division on Aging is ready to assist residents in finding the resources that can improve their lives, cut costs, and support their independence for as long as possible. They truly serve as a reliable support system for seniors,” said Commissioner James E. Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.
For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
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 24, 2026. The aforementioned September 24, 2026 meetings will be rescheduled to be held on Thursday, September 17, 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 local business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals to attend the 2026 Union County Means Business Expo on Wednesday, September 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Downs Hall at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union.
Admission is free, and the event is open to the entire business community. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, community leaders, service providers and industry professionals while learning about resources and opportunities that can support business growth.
“The Union County Means Business Expo has become a valuable gathering place for the people and organizations driving our local economy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Whether someone is launching a new venture, looking to expand an established business or hoping to make new professional connections, this event brings those opportunities together in one place. We are proud to continue creating a space where ideas, partnerships and local businesses can grow.”
Established in 2016, the Union County Means Business Expo was created to help local businesses and entrepreneurs expand their networks, promote their services and identify new opportunities. This year’s event continues that mission through an in-person experience designed to bring the County’s business community together.
Vendor tables are available for $100 and include a color advertisement in the official Expo program and 10 VIP raffle tickets for an exclusive prize drawing. Vendor setup will begin at 2:30 p.m., and all vendors must register by September 1.
The Union County Means Business initiative is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with local chambers of commerce, community-based organizations and higher education institutions.
Business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals interested in attending or reserving a vendor table can register at https://ucnj.org/ucmb.
For more information about the event or future initiatives, please contact Jeff Brooks, Union County Means Business, at 908-659-7412 or via email at Jeffrey.brooks@ucnj.org.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying county and municipal parks Thursday morning, July 23, 2026, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents and local businesses to prepare for New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” law, officially taking effect on August 1, 2026. Enacted in January 2026 as New Jersey Senate Bill 3195 (S3195), the law aims to reduce unnecessary plastic waste across the state by restricting food service businesses from automatically distributing single-use plastic utensils and condiments. These items will now only be provided when specifically requested by the customer.
“We are once again taking a major step towards building a more sustainable future and reducing plastic consumption in our State. Whether it looks like keeping reusable utensils in purses or office drawers, or making sure to request them from food vendors when placing an order, it’s important that residents plan ahead for these changes to ensure a smoother dining experience going forward,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage everyone to get prepared and to help spread the news about the new law to friends, family, and coworkers.”
The law applies to various food establishments across New Jersey, including restaurants, cafés and coffee shops, diners, food trucks, take-out and delivery services, drive-thru restaurants, and online ordering platforms. Its aim is to minimize litter, conserve resources, and reduce the significant number of unused single-use items that enter the waste stream each year.
The key changes under the new law are as follows:
Single-use utensils and condiments may only be provided upon customer request for take-out and delivery orders
Online ordering systems must default to “no utensils or condiments,” requiring customers to actively opt in
Full-service dine-in restaurants with seating for 10 or more customers must provide reusable utensils for dine-in meals
Self-serve dispensers may still be used if they dispense individual items rather than bundled cutlery packs
Residents and businesses are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements prior to the law’s effective date. Residents are asked to request utensils or condiments.
To ensure compliance with public health and food safety standards, specific institutional and operational exemptions have been granted to certain establishments, including all public and private K-12 schools, County and State correctional facilities, healthcare facilities, and food court vendors. Pre-packaged food items with single-use utensils or condiments attached during manufacturing, as well as single-use sauce cups for dine-in service, are also exempt.
Businesses that fail to comply may receive a warning for a first violation, a $100 fine for a second violation, and a $250 fine for a third and subsequent violations within a period of 12 months. Funds collected through penalties will be deposited into the Clean Communities Program Fund, with municipalities or certified enforcement agencies permitted to retain up to 30% of collected penalty revenues.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced the launch of its “Cut the Cutlery” campaign, aimed at helping businesses and consumers understand the new requirements and the environmental and financial benefits of reducing unnecessary single-use waste. “Cut the Cutlery” will also provide information and resources for food establishments during the transition, including training scripts, downloadable flyers, social media posts and more. Visit NJDEP| Get Past Plastic | Outreach Toolkit to learn more.
For more information on the “Skip the Stuff” program in Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycling/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is deeply saddened by the passing of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, a devoted public servant who remained committed to her work and to the residents of Union County throughout her life.
Joanne brought tremendous knowledge, energy and determination to the County Clerk’s Office every day. She was always looking for ways to make its services more accessible and convenient, whether by expanding office hours, improving online access to public records, providing residents with clear election information or creating new resources for veterans, notaries and business owners.
“I have known Joanne for more than 45 years, dating back to her campaign for mayor of Springfield. I watched her go on to serve as Union County Register of Deeds and Mortgages and later as County Clerk, building a remarkable career in public service,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Throughout all those years, Joanne was a constant presence in Union County government. She cared deeply about her work and the residents who relied on her office. She was smart, strong and determined, and she never stopped working to improve the services her office provided. It is difficult to imagine our County without her. On behalf of the entire Board of County Commissioners, I extend our deepest condolences to her family, her loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her.”
She was also a respected and fearless advocate for election integrity. Joanne was never afraid to raise difficult questions, challenge the status quo or stand her ground when she believed the public’s trust was at stake. Her leadership helped strengthen election safeguards not only in Union County, but across New Jersey.
“Joanne was not only an accomplished constitutional officer, but also an important part of our County family,” said Union County Manager Ed Oatman. “She remained deeply involved in the work of her office and brought decades of experience and an extraordinary sense of responsibility to her role. Her loss will be felt immediately throughout County government. We will miss her leadership, her strength and the unmistakable presence she brought to everything she did.”
Joanne’s leadership and innovation earned recognition throughout New Jersey and across the country. She was a six-time recipient of the National Association of Counties Award for innovative government and computerization, served in leadership positions with state, national and international professional organizations, and taught public administration at Rutgers University for nearly 20 years.
“Joanne’s legacy is also an important part of the history of women in public service,” said Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “She stepped forward at a time when women were not nearly as well represented in elected office, and she showed that women belonged not only at the table, but in positions of leadership. Through her strength, longevity and example, she helped open doors for more women to run, serve and lead. I will always be grateful for her support and guidance, and she will be deeply missed.”
The Board of County Commissioners joins the entire Union County community in mourning Joanne’s loss. Her work helped shape the way residents access County services, public records and elections, and the impact of her service will continue to be felt for many years to come.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs are pleased to announce that applications for the 2027 Local Arts Program Grant, commonly known as “LAP,” will be accepted beginning July 31, 2026.
The Union County Local Arts Program supports a wide variety of arts programming presented by organizations based in Union County and helps expand access to high-quality arts experiences for residents throughout the community.
“The Local Arts Program plays an important role in strengthening and enriching our communities by supporting the artists, organizations, and cultural institutions that bring creativity and inspiration to residents of all ages,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “From concerts and theater productions to workshops and educational programs, these grants help ensure that the arts continue to thrive throughout Union County. We encourage eligible organizations to apply and take advantage of this valuable funding opportunity.”
The Local Arts Grant is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Two grant opportunities are available through the program:
• General Operating Support Grants are available exclusively to nonprofit arts organizations. The maximum request amount is $15,000, and requests may not exceed 40 percent of the organization’s 2027 operating budget.
• Special Project Grants are available to both arts organizations and non-arts organizations, including nonprofits, libraries, and units of local government, to support a specific arts project such as a concert series, performance, exhibition, or arts education program. The maximum request amount is $4,500, and matching funds are required.
Programming must take place within Union County during calendar year 2027. Applications must be completed and submitted online through the grant portal. Funding decisions are based on factors including demonstrated artistic excellence, administrative capacity, professionalism, and community impact and outreach.
The deadline to submit a completed application is September 30, 2026.
First-time applicants must have a valid Union County mailing address. Full details including eligibility requirements are in the Local Arts Grant 2027 Guidelines, available at https://ucnj.org/cultural-funding/.
The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs administers the Local Arts Program Grant, as well as the HEART Grant and the History Grant.
An interactive Grant Workshop providing information, guidance, and a question-and-answer session covering all three grant programs will be held virtually on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. Registration for the workshop is available at: https://ucnj.org/cultural-funding-zoom/.
For questions regarding the Local Arts Program or to obtain access to the grant portal, contact Local Arts Program Grant Coordinator Martha Sturm at msturm@ucnj.org. For information about all Union County programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org, call the Public Information Line at 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org, or use the online contact form.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners has approved lowering the threshold for County Project Labor Agreement (PLA) requirements from $5 million to $3 million, expanding the use of PLAs on additional public construction projects throughout Union County.
“Union County has always stood with working men and women, and lowering the threshold for our Project Labor Agreement requirements from $5 million to $3 million reflects that commitment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “This change expands opportunities for our local skilled trades, strengthens labor standards, and ensures more County projects are built by the highly trained workforce that residents expect and deserve.”
Project Labor Agreements are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements that establish employment terms and conditions for construction projects, helping to promote labor stability, maintain project schedules, and ensure work is completed by a highly skilled workforce.
“The Union County Commissioners have taken an important step that will help ensure more public construction projects are completed on time, on budget, and with the highest standards of safety and quality,” said William Mullen, President of the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council. “Lowering the Project Labor Agreement threshold to $3 million is a smart investment in Union County’s workforce and taxpayers, and we commend the Commissioners for their leadership and commitment to delivering high-quality public infrastructure projects for residents.”
Lowering the threshold will allow more County projects to benefit from union labor, apprenticeship programs, and local workforce participation while supporting high-quality construction standards on public projects.
“This is a big win for working people in Union County. By lowering the Project Labor Agreement threshold to $3 million, the County is creating more opportunities for local union workers, opening more doors for apprentices, and making sure our public projects are built by the safest and most skilled workforce,” said Roc White, President of the Union County Central Labor Council. “I want to thank the Union County Commissioners for their leadership and for standing with working families. When we invest in union labor, we’re investing in our local economy, our communities, and the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”
The County expects the updated threshold to create additional opportunities for local union workers and apprentices while continuing Union County’s longstanding partnership with organized labor.
“The County of Union’s decision to lower the Project Labor Agreement threshold from $5 million to $3 million reflects strong, forward-thinking leadership and a clear commitment to smart public policy. By expanding the use of PLAs, the County is creating greater access to high-quality, well-trained local labor while ensuring projects are completed efficiently, safely, and on time, said Anthony Abrantes – Assistant Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “This move will generate meaningful economic benefits for the entire community, supporting local businesses, providing cost certainty for government, and strengthening the region’s workforce pipeline. Most importantly, it creates more opportunities for Union County residents to access career pathways through registered apprenticeship programs and workforce development initiatives that deliver long-term value for both workers and the local economy.”
Additional details regarding implementation of the revised PLA requirements will be incorporated into future County procurement and bidding processes.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents interested in running for their local board of education that candidate nominating petitions for the November 2026 School Board Election must be filed with the Union County Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Clerk Rajoppi strongly encourages prospective candidates to file their petitions well before the deadline to allow time for her office to review them and notify candidates of any issues or errors that may need to be corrected.
Clerk Rajoppi also reminds prospective candidates of a change in New Jersey law that took effect on February 3, 2025. Under the new law, the number of valid signatures required on a school board candidate nominating petition increased from 10 to 25. All petitions must now contain at least 25 valid signatures to qualify for placement on the ballot.
