Category: Public Info

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados helped Meals On Wheels Executive Director Donna Sullivan load food for delivery at the agency’s headquarters in Linden during this month’s March for Meals campaign. The non-profit agency delivers up to 1,500 meals a day to homebound seniors in Union County. The program is primarily supported by a grant from the Union County Division on Aging, as well as donations from private sources and public organizations. If you would like to know more about the organization or are interested in volunteering or making a donation call 908-486–5100.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

UNION COUNTY, NJ—Citing the desire to finalize negotiations with a potential buyer of Runnells Hospital that would maintain high quality health care, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved a measure granting the Union County Improvement Authority permission to pursue and complete a negotiated contract of sale with Center Management Group of Flushing, NY. The measure passed 7-1, with Freeholder Angel Estrada voting against it.

It is estimated that a final sale would save the County $56 million over the next five years, and generate an estimated $500,000 in new property taxes a year to Berkeley Heights and Union County by putting the property back on the tax rolls.

The Freeholders mandated a number of conditions be met for the completion of sale, requiring that Center Management:

• pay not less than the appraised value of $26 million to the County;
• give current Hospital patients the right to remain at the Hospital;
• protect the Hospital employees, in good standing, by offering the right of first refusal and providing as many employment opportunities as possible at the Hospital and at Center Management Group’s other locations;
• guarantee a five-year capital improvement plan;
• commit to sharing revenue with the County for any new health care related services or facilities Center Management Group adds to the Hospital;
• agree to a deed restriction that will require the Hospital remain a health care facility for long-term care patients;
• and agree that a certain percentage of beds at the Hospital shall remain available for Union County residents and to indigent patients.

“Every angle was analyzed and every option was put on the table,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak, adding the decision “of this magnitude” was “not an easy one and required two years of work.”

“Ultimately, this Board believes we’ve made the best decision possible toward maintaining the financial viability of the hospital and quality care for its patients,” Hudak said. “Employees in good standing will also have a first right of refusal at employment with the proposed operator.”

Since 2006, New Jersey’s Medicaid Program and the Federal government have been underfunding  long-term care facilities, and Medicare/Medicaid rates have been reduced each year, making it difficult for any county to operate Runnells.

As a result, the County has paid a total of more than $30 million over the past two years to subsidize the facility. This year the total subsidy amounted to $13.5 million.

Because Counties have in part experienced decreasing reimbursements, several counties in recent years have sold their nursing homes to private operators:

These Counties include: Burlington (2012), Camden (2013), Cumberland (2011), Essex (1996), Hudson (2002), Mercer (2010), Salem (2009).

 

BACKGROUND AND PROCESS

Facing an uncertain financial future of declining Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, the County of Union in 2012 retained Complete HealthCare Resources-Eastern, Inc. to independently and objectively analyze and evaluate possible options for the Hospital. The study was to seek ways to reduce costs and enable the Hospital to react to a changing health-care environment by determining if and how Hospital operations could continue in the present environment and the future in light of  the anticipated reduction in the Medicare/Medicare reimbursements and increases in the County’s subsidy of the Hospital.

After analyzing the operations of the Hospital, CHR issued a report in January, 2013, which concluded that due to declining reimbursements, decreasing occupancy rates and Medicare census, rising employee and operational costs and capital expense requirements, the County should consider several options for the continuation of the Hospital, such as revenue enhancements, expense reductions and alternative ownership.

Based upon the conclusions and recommendations of the CHR Report, the County determined to explore transferring the Hospital operations to the Union County Improvement Authority for the possible transfer of such operations to a third-party, while simultaneously evaluating methods of revenue enhancement and expense reduction.

The Authority is authorized to cooperate and plan with the County for the acquisition or operations of a public facility such as the Hospital, including the purchase of the County’s rights, title and interest in the Hospital and the possible sale and lease back of the Hospital operations to a third party to provide for the continuous public operation of the Hospital.

Later in 2013, as authorized by their respective resolutions, the County and the Authority entered into a Memorandum of Understanding,  pursuant to which the Authority is required to undertake a Request for Qualifications and Proposals (“RFQ/P”) process seeking a private provider that wished to purchase or lease the Hospital.

The Authority then established a Review Committee, which included representatives from the County and the UCIA, for the RFQ/P process, and which received five (5) proposals in December 2013, four (4) of which were for the purchase of the Hospital and one of which offered a lease option, and the Committee determined to proceed to interview four (4) of the proposers having found one (1) proposal incomplete.

The Review Committee interviewed the Proposers at least twice, and has, in compliance with the requests and suggestions of  the Board of Chosen Freeholders, sought additional information from the Proposers, and allowed the Proposers to make revised offers.

The Review Committee sought and received an independent appraisal of the Hospital, which appraised value was determined to be $26,000,000 and the Review Committee finally presented the Proposers with a series of questions and also requested that they provide a “best and final offer” to purchase the Hospital.

By the end of February, the proposers submitted responses and their best and final offers to the Review Committee, and the Committee prepared a report of the proposers, proposals, and a recommendation of one of the Proposers, Center Management Group, with which to negotiate a contract of sale of the Hospital.

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Union County, NJ – With closure of the Pulaski Skyway coming up on April 12, a new bus service to help reduce traffic tie-ups is already rolling through four Union County municipalities. The new service, bus no. 95, is one of several transit alternatives available to Union County residents that have been arranged by the New Jersey State Department of Transportation (DOT) with NJ Transit.

The DOT Skyway project will close both of the northbound lanes for two years starting on April 12, in order to rehabilitate the 80-year-old structure.

“We know that the next two years will be challenging ones, and DOT has made a good start on providing the public with more mass transit options,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “We encourage the commuting public to take a look at DOT’s options and test an alternate route before the April 12 closure date, to help your trip go as smoothly as possible.”

The Pulaski Skyway is not located within Union County but the two-year closure is expected to impact regional arteries including Route 78, Route 22, and Route 1&9. Local traffic may also be affected.

“The closure will directly impact both Union County residents and many other commuters who travel in and through our County, far beyond those who currently use the Skyway,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is liaison to the Union County Transportation Advisory Board. “Transit options like the new 95 bus can help, but there is also a need to plan for the possibility of commuters clogging local roads to avoid heavily traveled arteries including Route 22 and Route 1&9.”

Bus 95 began service on Monday, March 3. It operates between the new Park-and-Ride at the Sears parking lot on eastbound  Route 22 at Terrill Road in Watchung, and Newark Penn Station. Parking at the new Park-and-Ride is free.

From Watchung, the new service travels along existing local bus stops on Route 22 through Scotch Plains and Mountainside. It continues local stops through Springfield and Union Center. After that it returns to Route 22, where it goes express to Newark.

Inbound service is available only during morning rush hours. Outbound service is available only during evening rush hours, for a total of 16 rides.

Additional trains and rail cars are also being added to NJ Transit trains that service Union County along the Raritan Valley and Morris & Essex lines.

Complete details on the Skyway project and all transit options, including help with vans and carpools, are available from DOT at pulaskiskyway.com.

Links to all regional transit are available on the Union County website at ConneXions, ucnj.org/connect. A direct link to the DOT Pulaski Skyway website is also conveniently located on the Union County home page,ucnj.org (click on the Pulaski Skyway icon).

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association are once again working together to recognize and honor some of the environmental heroes in our communities. Now is the time to nominate your favorite local environmentalist or group for the 2014 Environmental Hero Award.

“The Environmental Hero Award is an excellent opportunity for Union County residents to be commended and awarded for their efforts in protecting the environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “They deserve our support for their commitment to nature and helping to maintain healthy surroundings.”

If you know an individual or group of individuals who have taken action for environmental change in their community, you may nominate them for the Environmental Hero Award. Each entry must include an essay describing why the nominee is qualified to receive the award, contact information for the nominee and contact information for the person submitting the nomination. Photographs may accompany the essay.

Nominations for the 2014 Environmental Hero Award can be e-mailed to bnovorro@ucnj.org or sent to Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092.

All entries must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 11. Board members of the Trailside Museum Association will read and consider all nominations.

Winners will receive certificates of recognition for their work presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and prizes presented by the Trailside Museum Association. Award recipients will be acknowledged at Trailside’s annual Wild Earth Fest event on Sunday, April 27.

Last year’s Environmental Heroes represented the diverse array of Union County residents of all ages and collaborations whose endeavors are creating a more eco-friendly society:

• Adriana Morocho was acknowledged for her efforts to improve the environment along the Elizabeth River; her post-hurricane clean-up projects; and for developing environmental education programs for elementary schools in Elizabeth.
• Members of the 4-H STEM Club of Union County were honored for their planting and clean-up projects as well as their experiments to research effective means of cleaning up our environment using robotics.
• The 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County were recognized for their work in schools and at local events teaching about the importance of trees in our environment and how to properly care for the trees around us.

For additional information on the Environmental Hero Award, Trailside’s annual Wild Earth Fest or other upcoming programs or events, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit online at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

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Enjoy a Summer Getaway in Union County

June 2014

As the summer vacation season begins, Union County is once again offering a full slate of warm-weather activities for children and adults in our parks, so you can enjoy a relaxing getaway without the hassle of travel and traffic.

This year there are several new additions, all with the goal of making our recreation facilities as accessible and enjoyable as possible.

At the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, a major overhaul of the Loop playground has been completed. The largest playground in Union County, the Loop has a cooling “mister” water feature and a shaded pavilion along with new play equipment.

The Loop also includes picnic areas and wide open grassy spaces for group play, and it is handy to miles of hiking trails in the forest.

For a wet-weather activity, our Trailside Nature and Science Center is a short walk across from the Loop, with free admission daily and special programs all year.

In another newly completed project, parking access has been significantly improved at the Glenside Avenue soccer field in Summit, thanks to a joint effort by the public works departments of Summit and Union County.

Renovation of the playground at Warinanco Park in the Roselle/Elizabeth/Linden area is also nearing completion. This nicely shaded playground features spray-play, and it is just a short walk away from a lake and paddle boat concession.

At the other end of Warinanco Park you can catch a glimpse of the future. Construction has started on a new facility that will restore the park to one of its original uses as a gathering spot for stadium sports events.

Plans are well under way for additional athletic field improvements at other County parks, too, as well as restoration of the historic Briant Park in Summit.

This summer will also mark the first season for a pilot program designed to bring free Internet connectivity to our parks.

We are kicking the program off with free Wi-Fi at our Wheeler Pool in Linden and our Ulrich Pool at the Rahway River Park in Rahway. We will make an announcement as soon as the Wi-Fi goes “live,” which we expect shortly, as the pools open for the season.

Free Wi-Fi will also be coming to the playground area at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, the Trailside Nature and Science Center, and the Skating Center at Warinanco Park. We’ll keep you up to date on that progress, too.

As for our traditional Union County summertime favorites, we have put the finishing touches on the lineup for our Summer Arts Festival and Family Flix series of free outdoor concerts and movies, both of which start in July.

I’d also like to draw your attention to our growing roster of programs for children and adults with disabilities, and to the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, which offers live performances and film in climate controlled comfort in our beautifully restored 1920’s-era theater.

For all the latest events, activities and updates, visit us at ucnj.org/parks, call 908-527-4900, or follow Union County on Facebook.

 

 

Get in “STEP” with Union County Students for a Good Cause

by Christopher Hudak, Chairman, Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders

April 2014

Last December, almost 200 students from 26 high schools across Union County participated in the first ever UC STEP (Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program) Summit, a new program aimed at developing youth leadership skills by engaging young people in countywide civic projects.

The response was enthusiastic, and I am happy to report that the first project to launch out of UC STEP is off to a great start.

The project, called Support 4 Solders, was conceived and designed entirely by a team of UC STEP students during the daylong summit. It won an online public vote for best project.

The vote itself provided a demonstration of how the UC STEP participants translated their day of learning into community engagement. The 192 students who attended the summit generated more than 4,600 responses to the online vote.

Based on the results of the vote, the Freeholder Board is sponsoring Support 4 Soldiers this year as one of my Chairman’s Initiatives, along with the local nonprofit organization Bonds of Courage.

It is the first of what we hope to be an annual series of countywide civic projects created by UC STEP students, so I’d like to pause here and recognize Freeholder Linda Carter, who initiated the UC STEP Summit during her term as Chairman last year.

Support 4 Solders is a coordinated, countywide collection drive for care packages to be sent to active military troops. The list includes healthy snacks, toiletries, and other basic items. The collection period is going on now and it will end on May 15.

Monetary donations to Support 4 Soldiers may also be made directly to Bonds of Courage (bondsofcourage.org), which is headquartered in Westfield.

Distinctive Support 4 Soldiers collection boxes have already been placed at schools, County buildings and other facilities including the Union Township Knights of Columbus, VFW, Elks Lodge #1583, and American Legion Post 35. A complete list of locations and an interactive map are available at ucnj2.org/uc-step.

Support 4 Soldiers participants are also raising funds to offset shipping costs, so you can expect to hear much more about this project in the coming weeks.

Support 4 Soldiers kicked off last month at the Westfield Armory, where the students had a chance to compare notes with other students from all over the county. They also had a chance to meet with members of the military and learn first hand how much their efforts are appreciated.

The young people who created Support 4 Soldiers come from many different walks of life. Out of their diverse experiences, they focused on shared values to come up with an endeavor that encourages us all to embrace our common goals.

I hope you will all join us in pitching in for Support 4 Soldiers.

For more information about Support 4 Soldiers and UC STEP, visit ucnj2.org/uc-step or call the Union County Department of Economic Development, 908-527-4200.

Planning Ahead for a Sustainable Future in Union County

 

This year will be a very active one for Union County government, the business community, and other stakeholders, as we take important steps toward building a firm platform for sustainable economic growth.

That includes a firm focus on environmental sustainability and quality of life improvements, as public wellness and a strong education infrastructure are at the core of our long term future.

First I’d like to draw your attention to Tuesday, March 18. This is the kickoff event for the 2014 edition of our Union County Means Business networking series. Now in its third year, this initiative connects business owners and managers with public resources that support their efforts.

Another key activity this year is Union County 2030. One of my Chairman’s Initiatives, Union County 2030 is a multi-layer planning effort designed to support economic growth while improving quality of life.

Part of Union County 2030 involves traditional shovels-in-the-ground civic projects that form the backbone of every thriving community.

This year our projects include a new Family Court building, expansion of the Union County College campus in Cranford and renovation of its Plainfield campus, and several major “Turf and Build” public recreation projects.

A second layer of planning encompasses the complex challenges of sustainable development, transportation, infrastructure resilience, and competitiveness.

To address these issues, we have embarked two-year initiative in partnership with Together North Jersey, aimed at achieving a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development based on the principle that public health, safety and quality of life are essential to long term economic growth.

That includes a new Union County Sustainable Communities Guide that we will share with stakeholders this fall, with the ultimate goal of forming a Livable Communities Network.

A significant element in our transportation planning is one-seat service to New York City on the Raritan Valley line. I pledged to push for that service as Freeholder Chairman this year, and NJ TRANSIT set it in motion on Monday, March 3.

The new one-seat service enables commuters using stations in Plainfield, Fanwood, Westfield, Garwood, Cranford, Roselle Park, and Union to travel to New York Penn Station without changing trains in Newark. It is currently available during the midday hours (for a printable Raritan Valley schedule with the new service highlighted in bold frames visit njtransit.com).

Other aspects of our long term planning include infrastructure hardening and a forthcoming report on competitiveness by the Heldrich Center at Rutgers University.

We are also continuing with Union County Women Mean Business, a special program introduced last year that aims to tap into the rich vein of skills and talents among women in our business community.

That brings us back around to the upcoming Union County Means Business session on March 18. This session will be particularly interesting because state and federal elected officials will attend and describe the legislative outlook for business in 2014.

I hope you will join us in these efforts to prepare and plan for the future of Union County.

The Union County Means Business “Legislative Outlook for Business 2014” session will be held on Tuesday, March 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Kean University STEM Building, 1 Elizabethtown Plaza in Union (off Morris Avenue, across from the main campus).

 

For more information on Union County Means Business and to register for upcoming events, visitucnj2.org/ucmb or call the County Manager’s office, 908-527-4200.

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that tickets are still available for the quintessential classic ballet Sleeping Beautyat the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m.

Performed by the New Jersey Ballet, Sleeping Beauty is the latest installment in Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre. This series of music, dance, and theatrical events is designed especially for persons with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“The Freeholder Board is very proud to present Sensory Friendly Theatre,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Enjoyment of the arts in a welcoming, community setting is an enriching experience that all Union County families can enjoy.”

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began in 2012 as an initiative of the Chairman that year, Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. This unique performance series was designed and adapted in collaboration with Autism Friendly Spaces, LLC, the Union County Performing Arts Center, Paper Mill Playhouse, and Children’s Specialized Hospital.

Adjustments to sound, lighting and other elements are made in order to present a calming atmosphere, and trained staff is available to assist audience members and their families.

Sleeping Beauty is filled with colorful characters brought to life by New Jersey Ballet’s troupe of international artists in a magical fairytale castle.

The performance is accompanied by a storyteller to help young ballet fans follow the story.

The next performance in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series is Aesop’s Fables with acclaimed puppeteer Jim West.

For more information or to purchase tickets call the Union County Performing Arts Center, 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org. All seats are $8.00 per person.

For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4806 or visit ucnj.org.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present artworks by participants in the “Art for Adults with Disabilities Project” of the Occupational Center of Union County in an exhibit at the Freeholders Gallery. The gallery is located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue, in Elizabeth. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the exhibit will be on display until April 11.

This art program is made possible by a HEART Grant (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. HEART grants serve as a way to strengthen Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, so they can provide innovative projects related to the arts, humanities, and history.

The Occupational Center of Union County, a not-for-profit organization, provides an environment where individuals with disabilities can develop and become productive and employable. Making works of art provides a therapeutic and creative outlet for the participants. The artists share their inner talents using a wide range of media, such as acrylic, watercolor, crayon, pastel, pen, and pencil. The center started this art program in 2003 and continues to achieve great success.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Freeholders Gallery. For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, please contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone: 908-558-2550; NJ relay users dial 711; or E-mail:culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

 

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(From left) Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak and Freeholders Vernell Wright and Sergio Granados met with Donna Lowe Alexander, Clifton Alexander and Ella S. Teal of the Urban League of Union County during an Affordable Care Act Information and Enrollment Assistance Fair at Kean University in Union.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Rape Crisis Center is seeking volunteers to serve as advocates for victims of sexual assault. All new volunteers are trained and mentored by Rape Crisis Center staff and experienced volunteers. The next training session will start on April 22.

The Rape Crisis Center is part of the Union County Department of Human Services. Its volunteer advocates have served thousands of Union County residents with confidential and supportive guidance since 1984.

“If you are exploring ways to volunteer in Union County, I encourage you to contact the Rape Crisis Center and find out about our training program,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “We are very proud of the dignity and respect with which our volunteers approach this invaluable service to our community.”

Rape Crisis Center volunteers respond by phone to requests for guidance by victims of sexual violence. If needed, they may also accompany victims to medical or legal procedures.

Hudak noted that many victims have no family member or friend available to help guide them through the medical and legal aftermath of sexual violence.

“Our volunteers provide a strong shoulder to lean on,” said Hudak.  “No one should have to be alone at this critical point in their lives.”

Prospective volunteers start with an informal interview at the Rape Crisis Center, located at the Union County Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield.

If the visit results in a commitment to serve, volunteers attend a series of twice-weekly training sessions at the Colleen Fraser Building. The next training series starts on April 22. Sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. There are 18 sessions in all.

Volunteers must be Union County residents at least 18 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license, and have their own vehicle.

To schedule an interview call the Union County Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273.

For more information about the Rape Crisis Center visit ucnj.org. Testimonials by volunteers are also available at the Rape Crisis Center blog, unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

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Expert and amateur scientists and naturalists are needed as volunteer members of “Bio-Blitz” teams during Union County’s 10thannual outdoor biodiversity event. Nature lovers of all ages will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with wildlife in their own “backyard” during Bio-Blitz 2014, beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 13, and continuing to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at Oak Ridge Park and the Ash Brook Reservation in Clark and Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

To register as a volunteer, go to the Union County website: www.ucnj.org/bio-blitz or send an e-mail to bkelly@ucnj.orgrequesting more information. Please specify your level of experience and team preference. Plant, fungi, insect, fish, bird, mammal, amphibian and reptile experts, and water monitors, along with amateur naturalists will collect and identify species from the two parks over a 24-hour period. Teams will return to Bio-Blitz Central, a tented field lab and exhibit space in Oak Ridge Park, to sort and count what they find.

“The Bio-Blitz is a great opportunity for the community and visiting scientists to learn more about the natural places that make Union County a special place to live,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Although these parks are surrounded by suburban development, they are perfect examples of how green spaces can provide a haven for people and wildlife.”

Bio-Blitz 2014 is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and numerous local partner organizations. For more information, visitwww.ucnj.org/bio-blitz.