Category: Public Info

Union County 9-1-1 callers are first in the nation to use the new CueHit service for smart phones, provided through the Union County Regional Dispatch Center. The new service provides new opportunities for the Dispatch Center to communicate with callers, while enabling first responders to focus on life threatening situations and other emergencies. The Regional Dispatch Center is the first 9-1-1 call center in the U.S. to make use of CueHit.

The Regional Dispatch Center handles 9-1-1 emergency calls and other communications for the Union County Department of Public Safety, and for a growing number of municipal public first responder offices and health care facilities in Union County.

“The Regional Dispatch Center provides municipalities in Union County with access to state-of-the-art emergency call services, while also relieving them from administrative tasks and providing a stable platform for budget management,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are constantly looking for ways to expand this shared County service as new technology comes onto the market.”

“CueHit has the potential to become a key tool in our ability to improve public safety services and address quality of life issues throughout our communities. It enhances the Dispatch Center’s ability to reach out and connect with the public on a person-to-person level, while enabling first responders to focus their attention on preventing injury and saving lives,” said Freeholder Angela Garretson, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Public Safety Advisory Board.

“Emergency services have to change and grow along with the times, and the feedback component of CueHit will be especially important as we work to improve public safety services in the digital age,” said Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran.

With CueHit, smart phone users who call 9-1-1 in Union County to report incidents that are not life-threatening speak to a dispatcher at the Regional Dispatch Center, and receive a followup text message that provides an estimated time of arrival for the first responders.

The text message also provides instructions on what to do until the responders arrive.

In addition, the caller will receive a survey by text message 24 hours later, offering them with an opportunity to provide feedback on their experience. 

Examples of non-life threatening or lower priority incidents include vandalism, animal nuisances, or discovery of a theft or break-in where the perpetrator is no longer present.

Union County created the Regional Dispatch Center in 2012, as a shared county-local emergency communications service to handle the growing number and complexity of emergency calls among the 21 municipalities. It repaced the County’s existing two-console facility with a state-of-the-art, nine-console array that dispatches the Union County Police Department and many local and regional public safety agencies including Police, Fire, EMS, the Metro Strike Team and Union County Fire Mutual Aid.

In addition, Union County is the contact point for specialized resources including the Sheriff’s K-9, the Union County Bomb Squad and the Union County Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Unit (HazMat).

Union County also launched a countywide, shared ambulance service in 2012 to help relieve pressure on local responders resulting from ongoing trends, including hospital emergency room closings, local budget constraints, and difficulty in recruiting volunteers for local squads.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Find out about opportunities at Trinitas Hospital, Wakefern, Remarkable Foods, and Farmland Dairies.

Union County, NJ — Union County residents seeking jobs are invited to participate in Union County’s first virtual job fair sponsored by the Freeholder Board through the County’s American Job Center employment services program.

Representatives from major employers, including Trinitas Hospital, Wakefern, Remarkable Foods, and Farmland Dairies will be available to speak with job seekers online on Zoom, and discuss positions ranging in hourly pay from $13.00 to $39.00.

The virtual job fair will take place on Thursday, November 12 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Residents who wish to participate must register online by visiting ucnj.org/virtual-job-fair.

“The new virtual job fair builds on the strength of our relationships with leading job creators in Union County, and it provides a safe environment in which job seekers can connect with employers during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to thank all of those who are participating.”

“The Freeholder Board is committed to seeking new opportunities to assist residents who have been struggling during the outbreak, including food assistance and grants for small businesses as well as employment services with the help of online technology,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is the Freeholder Board’s liaison to the Human Service Advisory Board.

Participants in the virtual job fair should dress professionally, have a copy of their resume at hand, and be prepared to answer questions from employer representatives.

Positions available through the job fair include:

Wakefern: Warehouse Selector (Jamesburg, first and second shift) and Elizabeth (second shift), starting at $14/hr.

Remarkable Foods, in Cranford: “Chef on the Road” Drivers, Production Cooks, Food Assembly Associates, Sanitation Associates, Warehouse & Material Handlers, $14-$20/hr.

Trinitas Hospital, in Elizabeth: Service, Clerical, Technical and Clinical positions (includes Patient Care Associates, Nursing Assistants, Food Service, Housekeeping, ICU/OR Nurses and more), $13-$39/hr.

Farmland Dairies, in Newark: Truck Drivers (CDL Class A&B), Driver Helpers, Warehouse Associates, $13-$23/hr.

The American Job Center provides employment related services to Union County businesses and residents. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the program maintained a schedule of in-person job fairs, training programs, informational events, and applicant pre-screening sessions.

To continue providing employment services during the outbreak, last June Union County launched Union County Works, New Jersey’s first “virtual one-stop” employment center. The online portal includes information tailored to veterans and youth, and offers all residents information about job openings, job training and education opportunities, as well as help creating resumes, and more.  For more details visit ucajc.org.

Last August, the Freeholder Board also established the new Food Insecurity Task Force to coordinate food assistance on a countywide basis. The County sponsors a regular series of emergency food aid distribution events funded through the federal CARES act for residents impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. For information about upcoming events visit ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that the New Jersey online ballot tracking system will move all ballots to “accepted” status on November 20, when she certifies the 2020 General Election results.

“My office has been receiving calls from voters who are concerned about the status of their ballots, so just to be clear, the tracking system will indicate ‘accepted’ for all ballots only after the final count and certification takes place, on November 20,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

“There is an extraordinarily high volume of ballots to be scanned for the General Election, so the tabulation process is longer than usual,” Ms. Rajoppi explained.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy mandated that the November 3 General Election be conducted primarily by Vote-by-Mail ballots, resulting in a historically high number of paper ballots to be scanned and tallied. The November 20 deadline was established to allow sufficient time before recording the final, certified results.

Vote-by-Mail ballots are still in the process of being tallied, as those postmarked before or on Election Day are eligible to be counted up to one week after Election Day.

To log into the New Jersey online ballot tracking system, visit the New Jersey Division of Elections at voter.svrs.nj.gov/auth/sign-in.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, November 7th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the eastern parking lot at the Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Participants should follow signs posted on Morris Avenue to enter the campus.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distribution is being sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

“The Freeholder Board and the County will continue to schedule these drive-up food distributions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our residents continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and food insecurity remains a concern. We are proud to provide valuable service to those in need.”

“We thank our partner, Community FoodBank of New Jersey as well as the volunteer involved in coordinating this effort,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We will continue our work to ensure that residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time.”

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle. This event will take place, rain or shine.

“The increase in need for food assistance among our New Jersey neighbors during this crisis has been staggering, presenting a greater challenge than anything that the FoodBank has faced throughout its 45-year history,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Partnerships like the one that we have with Union County are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before.”  

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For a list of all future Food Distribution events, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Union County, NJ — Union County’s free recycling programs continue in November with two opportunities to drop off scrap metal, in Cranford and Kenilworth. These are countywide programs sponsored by the Freeholder Board, and all residents are invited to participate at any location.

“Every year, thousands of Union County residents pitch in to help the environment through our free recycling events, and on behalf of the Freeholder Board I would like to thank everyone for another successful season,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Union County’s scrap metal recycling program will be available on from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 and Saturday, November 21, in Cranford at the Emergency Services building at 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, and in Rahway at the Park Service Yard in Rahway River Park.

Residents may bring a wide variety of metal goods for recycling including metal fencing, gutters, tire rims, cabinets, lawn furniture, bicycles, kitchen appliances (with doors removed), and much more. Please note that electronic goods are not accepted, and should be brought to a municipal electronics recycling program in the resident’s home town.

For everyone’s safety, be advised that all participants for all events must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times. Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

For more details about scrap metal recycling and other Union County recycling programs in November, visit ucnj.org/recycling.

November marks the end of the 2020 season for Union County’s regular schedule of free recycling events and programs. The schedule will resume in April 2021. Download the free Recycle Coach app for mobile devices to receive up-to-date information on both municipal and countywide recycling programs.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, https://ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Voters who need to replace their Vote-by-Mail ballot are advised to come early; visitors must wear masks and observe social distance.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises voters who have lost or damaged their Vote-by-Mail ballot that they can visit the County Clerk’s Elizabeth and Westfield offices to obtain a duplicate. Both offices are open for extra hours on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

“The extra hours are intended to help ensure that assistance is available to all voters on Election Day. If you need a duplicate ballot, please remember to leave ample time to fill out and return your ballot before the polls close at 8:00 p.m.,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The County Clerk’s Elections Office in Elizabeth is located in the County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street. The Annex Office in Westfield is located at the Colleen Frasier Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East.

Masks and social distance are required during office visits in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Voters seeking a duplicate ballot must bring their New Jersey driver’s license or other state-issued identification. They may return their ballot by hand to the County Clerk after filling it out.

Voters may also return their Vote-by-Mail ballot to any of the 24 official ballot drop boxes located in each municipality throughout Union County, including Elizabeth and Westfield.

All 24 ballot drop boxes will close at 8:00 p.m. on November 3.

Voters may also bring their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place on Election Day. Voters who arrive without their Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to use. Voting machines will be available for voters with disabilities that prevent them from using a paper ballot. All polling places will close at 8:00 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has mandated that the November 3 election will be conducted primarily by Vote-by-Mail ballots.

Voters with questions about using a Vote-by-Mail ballot can also visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, to view a  step-by-step Vote-by-Mail video and read a list of frequently asked questions.

For a list of official drop box locations and guidance on finding in-person polling places, visit unioncountyvotes.com.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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Download the County Clerk’s free mobile elections app, UCVotes.

Union County Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Union County Health Officer/Director Annie McNair at the Union County Flu Shot Drive at the County Public Safety Complex in Westfield. For additional updates visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu. Please note that the Union County flu shot drive is for seasonal flu vaccines only. There is no vaccine available for the COVID-19 virus at this time. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – A group of students from the Center for Leadership and Service at Kean University participated in Union County’s Adopt-a-Park program and spent hours last week removing invasive plants, pruning vegetation, and picking up trash in and around the Warinanco shoreline restoration project at the lake in Warinanco Park.

The students wore masks and observed COVID-19 protocols while working, as required by statewide COVID-19 prevention rules.

“Warinanco Park is the community park for thousands of Union County residents and visitors every year, and it has become a centerpiece for habitat restoration, too. We truly appreciate the students’ hard work and dedication to civic service and nature conservation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Warinanco shoreline restoration project includes the reintroduction of pollinator-friendly native plants around the lake to support a habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial species. A formerly buried stream in the park has also been restored.

Warinanco Park is located in Roselle and shares a border with Elizabeth and Linden.  As one of the oldest parks in the Union County park system, its design is rooted in the influence of Central Park creator Frederick Law Olmsted, including walking paths that meander through forested areas and broad open vistas, a picturesque driving route, and many recreational features.

More information about volunteering with Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation, or call 908-789-3683 or email bkelly@ucnj.org.

For quick links to all Union County parks and environmental programs visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection. Please note that in-person programs are limited at this time due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Partial results available online after polls close on November 3; the final, official count will be certified and reported on November 20

Union County, NJ – Voters and other persons who are interested in following the reporting process for the results of the 2020 General Election in Union County can download the County Clerk’s free Union County Votes elections app or visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, to view results from voting machines and partial results from Vote-by-Mail ballots after the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on November 3.

The counting of Vote-by-Mail ballots will continue after November 3 due to the Executive Order of Governor Phil Murphy, which requires the 2020 General Election to be conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots. Accordingly, the County Clerk will post running updates of the Vote-by-Mail tally on a daily basis beginning on November 4. The final, official results of the 2020 General Election, including provisional ballots, will be posted after certification on November 20.

 “As a reminder, each year my office reports the complete count from voting machines in the evening after the polls close on Election Day. However, we do not certify the final tally until the Vote-by-Mail and provisional ballots are counted,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Vote-by-Mail and provisional ballots are always included in the official results for every election cycle. Every vote counts, regardless of how you cast your ballot.”

The County Clerk’s office will update the Vote-by-Mail tally each day at noon beginning on November 4 as additional Vote-by-Mail ballots are processed. Ballots delivered by U.S. Postal Service and postmarked on or before November 3 will be counted if they arrive at the Board of Elections within seven days of Election Day. Ballots delivered by U.S. Postal Service without a postmark will be counted if they arrive within two days of Election Day.

Voters can cast their Vote-by-Mail ballot before or on Election Day by sending it through the mail (postage is prepaid), by bringing it to any of 24 official ballot drop-off boxes located in Union County, or by hand-delivering it to the offices of the Union County Clerk or Union County Board of Elections. Details on all three methods are available at unioncountyvotes.com.

Voters can also hand-deliver their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place on Election Day. Voters who arrive without their Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to use. ADA accessible voting machines will be available at each polling place for voters with disabilities that prevent them from filling out a provisional ballot.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update. For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Personal/sensitive documents only; for Union County residents only.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking a free, secure way to dispose of personal papers can bring their documents to the final mobile paper shredding event of 2020, sponsored by the Freeholder Board. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nokia campus at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence. It is free of charge and open to Union County residents only.

In an effort to accommodate all residents wishing to participate, there is a limit of four bags or boxes per car weighing no more than 10 pounds each. The mobile shredding truck may leave before 1:00 p.m. if full.

“Our free recycling events help ensure that all Union County residents can prevent identity theft by disposing of personal documents safely, and we also help the environment by sending the shredded paper to a recycler,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Union County’s mobile paper shredding events are drive-through only. During the COVID-19 outbreak, participants must remain in their cars with their masks on and windows rolled up at all times in order to reduce the risk of exposure. Boxes or bags should be placed in trunk or cargo area where they can be accessed by County personnel.

Participants are asked to remove plastic binders and clips before arriving at the shredding event. No wet or damp paper will be accepted.

If possible documents should be brought in paper bags, as this is a zero waste event. Boxes and plastic bags will be returned to participants.

For additional information visit ucnj.org/recycling/mobile-paper-shredding. The November 7 event is Union County’s final paper shredding event for 2020. The paper shredding schedule will resume in April 2021 at various locations throughout Union County.

Union County’s scrap metal recycling program will also end for the season in November. The final dates are Thursday, November 5 and Saturday, November 21. For times and locations visit ucnj.org/recycling/scrap-metal.

For information on all other recycling programs sponsored by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Download the free Recycle Coach app for mobile devices to receive helpful recycling tips and up-to-date information on both municipal and countywide recycling programs.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, https://ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit free walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. For general information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.