Category: Public Info

Freeholders Sergio Granados, Angela Garretson, Bette Jane Kowalski, Angel Estrada, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner and Public Works Director Joe Graziano delivered facemasks today to elected officials in Elizabeth, Hillside, Union, Summit, Berkeley Heights and Springfield to be distributed to County residents in each municipality.

The facemasks were part of a total of 100,000 the County had purchased to be distributed to its residents. delivered facemasks today to elected officials in Elizabeth, Hillside, Union, Summit, Berkeley Heights and Springfield to be distributed to County residents in each municipality. The facemasks were part of a total of 100,000 the County had purchased to be distributed to its residents.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that beginning on Tuesday, June 2, the County Clerk’s offices will begin in-person appointments to swear in notaries and assist persons seeking to register trade names, tax waivers and clerk’s certificates.

Everyone seeking these services in person is required to make an appointment in advance and wear a face mask at all times, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. No other in-person services are available at this time.

“We are very carefully resuming a limited number of in-person services in accordance with statewide guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As we have throughout the outbreak, my staff will continue to provide assistance with other services by phone, email, fax, or postal and delivery services.”

As of today, the following in-person appointments can be made for the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth, by calling the Business Division at 908-527-4966 (office hours are 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday):

·   Notary swearing-in
·   Tax waivers
·   Clerk’s certificates
·   Trade names

Beginning on June 1, the following in-person appointments can be made for the County Clerks’ annex office in Westfield, by calling 908-654-9859 (office hours are 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday):

·   Notary swearing-in
·   Clerk’s certificates
·   Trade names

Any Notaries whose commission date has expired should call the New Jersey Department of the Treasury at 609-292-9292 for assistance.

Please note that the County Clerk’s passport services have been suspended except for life-or-death emergencies within three days of travel, in accordance with U.S. State Department guidelines.

For office locations, and for assistance with other Union County Clerk 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 for 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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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.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado reminds residents that the voter registration deadline is Tuesday, June 16, to participate in the July 7 Primary Election.

“If you are eligible to vote in Union County but not yet registered, please take a few minutes to apply before the deadline,” said Ms. DiRado. “The application forms are available online and my staff is happy to assist by phone or email with any questions you may have.”

Voter registration forms are available from the Board of Elections website at ucnj.org/boe.  Returned postage is prepaid.

In order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the July 7 Primary Election will take place mainly through Vote-by-Mail ballots.
 
Helpful tips on using a Vote-by-Mail ballot are available online at ucnj.org/boe/make-sure-your-vote-by-mail-ballot-is-counted-2.

Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 144 outlines the following procedures for the July 7 Primary Election:

All active, registered Democratic and Republican Voters will automatically receive a Vote by Mail Ballot. Return postage is prepaid.

All unaffiliated voters and inactive voters will automatically receive an application for a vote by mail ballot. Return postage is prepaid.

There will be a minimum of 5 secure ballot drop boxes located throughout the county for you to deposit your Vote by Mail Ballot. These locations will be updated by June 15, 2020.

Vote by Mail Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day, July 7, will be counted so long as they are received by July 14, 2020.

A reduced number of polling locations will be available to provide voters with a paper, provisional ballot. Voting machines will available for voters with disabilities. These locations will be updated by June 15, 2020.

For information on all Board of Elections services visit https://ucnj.org/boe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or leave a phone message at 908-527-4121. All email and phone messages will be returned.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, 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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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.

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Angela Garretson, Freeholder Andrea Staten, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe, members of the City Council and Assemblywoman Linda Carter joined the United Way of Greater Union County and members of County Government at Hamilton Stage in Rahway in distributing food donated by Amazon.com through United Way to various social service organizations throughout Union County. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union.)
 

Program to fund $1.5 million in projects in all 21 municipalities

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Freeholders Infrastructure Grant program will fund various projects throughout the County, including: parks, sewage drainage, road resurfacing and signage. In all, the Freeholders made awards to 21 municipalities as part of the sixth annual Union County Infrastructure Grant program, funding projects aimed at spurring economic development growth, and providing indirect tax relief.

The program was conceived by Freeholder Christopher Hudak in 2015, developed by the County’s Freeholder Fiscal Committee and administered by the Department of Economic Development.  This year’s Freeholder Fiscal Committee is Chaired by Freeholder Sergio Granados. Also on the committee are Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Rebecca Williams and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Road improvements once again topped the list as the most requested program for funding, among the municipalities.

“The Infrastructure Grant program is aimed at providing economic assistance for our municipalities to make these and other needed improvements, providing a better quality of life for the residents of Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Infrastructure is a priority and our municipalities must continue to be able to make essential improvements. These grants allow our residents to directly benefit from improvements made to their local communities,” added Freeholder Hudak.

The matching grant initiative makes available approximately $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities, assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2020.

Funding for the grant is provided through the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital in 2014. 

The 2020 awards by municipality are as follows:

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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board will distribute 100,000 face masks to its 21 municipalities as part of “Mask Up UC,” a Countywide public safety campaign to encourage all County residents to wear face masks and safeguard themselves and others from potential exposure to COVID-19.

“These masks are being provided free of charge to local agencies, who are working with County personnel to determine priorities and identify those most in need,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The ‘Mask Up UC’ initiative will help fill a critical need of facial mask that enables county residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19. By supporting our county in this endeavor, we hope to continue to make progress toward safely restoring economic activity and civic life,” said Freeholder and Public Safety Committee Chair Angela R. Garretson.

“Fighting the COVID-19 crisis is an all-hands-on-deck effort. By purchasing and distributing these masks free of charge we hope to ensure that everyone in Union County has access to a mask and can help protect our community,” said County Manager Edward T. Oatman.

The details are currently being worked upon and the County will be distributing the masks to the municipalities and other agencies imminently.

Among other COVID-19 response efforts, Union County organized the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, which has provided over 18,000 free tests since opening on March 23.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, 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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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.

Community Gardeners looking to upgrade their gardening abilities can learn skills for managing their gardens so that they flourish with the help of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. A series of Community Garden Lunch and Learn webinars will be offered beginning on Wednesday, May 27 through Wednesday, July 1. 

“This series will assist gardeners of all levels by educating on the challenges of community gardening with strategies for growing great tasting fruits and vegetables while protecting the safety of fellow gardeners,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.         

The webinars will be held on consecutive Wednesdays, beginning May 27 from Noon until 1:00 p.m. The schedule for the series is as follows:

• May 27 – Getting a Head Start on Weed Control
• June 3 – People and Food Safety in the 2020 Growing Season
• June 10 – Soil Management Basics
• June 17 – Compost Considerations for the Community Garden
• June 24 – Tree Fruit in a Community Garden
• July 1 – Looking Ahead to the Fall Crop Season

The first webinar will begin Wednesday, May 27, however participants may register at any time throughout the series. To register online for the Community Garden Lunch and Learn programs visit https://go.rutgers.edu/tpgwbih2.  

For more Extension online programs, including environmental topics, yard and garden care, and 4-H clubs for youth, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

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

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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.

The Union County Freeholder Board on Thursday night approved its final 2020 budget with a zero percent tax increase that will maintain all essential services, with no layoffs.

It continues the County’s trend of fiscally responsible budgets, and maintains the County’s bond rating which is the highest attainable.

“As I said before, knowing the impact the COVID-19 epidemic is having on our residents and business owners, I instructed Fiscal Chairman Granados and our County Manager to tighten the budget as much as possible and deliver a zero percent tax increase,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This was not an easy task given the pressures that all governing agencies are under, but it was absolutely necessary.”

Freeholder Fiscal Committee Chairman Sergio Granados stated: “We know our residents and businesses have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we worked hard to find a middle ground that allowed us to fund the response, avoid layoffs and hold the bottom line.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a Catch-22 situation for our residents and all governing agencies. Unemployment has surged, revenue sources have been greatly diminished, while funding is needed to respond to the pandemic and assist our residents and business owners,” Granados said. “Through our collaborative efforts, we’ve been able to achieve our goals.”

Both Mirabella and Granados thanked the other Freeholder Fiscal Committee members, Christopher Hudak, Rebecca Williams, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, County Manager Edward T. Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner and Finance Director Bibi Taylor and her staff for leading the effort.  Both Freeholders also thanked all the County Directors who were asked to adjust their budgets accordingly.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is honoring graduates throughout Union County with banners at selected County parks and County roads. In addition, students can use the #UCGraduate hash tag to share graduation photos, which will be collected in a collage and posted on the County website.

Placement of the banners began on Friday, May 22 and will continue into next week.

 “This countywide celebration is a reminder that our most precious resources is the up and coming generation of Union County youth, and it is a reaffirmation of our love and support for every young person with hopes and dreams for the future,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, congratulations to the Class of 2020, and best wishes for success in all your future endeavors.”

“We are extremely proud of our Union County students and want to congratulate them on reaching an important milestone in their life as they graduate,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados. “These are unprecedented times, which makes it difficult for in-person celebrations, so this is just one small gesture where we can celebrate each and every one of our student’s accomplishments. I would like to thank all of the teachers, staff and families who helped contribute to your success. Congratulations, good luck on your future endeavors.”

Graduation banners will be installed along the following County roads, beginning on Friday, May 22:

Clark: Raritan Road

Elizabeth: Morris Avenue (at Phil Rizzuto Park)

Linden: Wood Avenue

Mountainside: Mountain Avenue

New Providence: Springfield Avenue

Springfield: Meisel Avenue (at Meisel Park)

Banners will also be installed at approximately 20 locations in County parks beginning next week. For maps and directions to Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks.

Park visitors must observe social distance rules that prohibit gatherings during the COVID-19 outbreaks. Masks are strongly recommended.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for 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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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.

Gardening enthusiasts can now reap the many benefits of growing their own plants with the help of a new home, lawn, and garden resource website from Rutgers University, through the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES).

“The new NJAES website is a valuable resource for residents of all experience levels,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Gardening is a healthful, relaxing activity that we encourage throughout Union County.”

The Freeholder Board supports home gardening through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide community learning initiative run by NJAES.

The new NJAES website features themes such as what to plant, garden design, gardening with youth, nutrition and wellness, and more.

In addition to providing delicious, healthy food, gardening can offer an opportunity for family-friendly outdoor activities.

For a complete listing of all outreach events and webinars, visit the NJAES Calendar.

Residents with yard and garden questions can contact the Master Gardeners of Union County free Garden Helpline at (908) 654-9852 or mastergardeners@ucnj.org.

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of a national county-based community agriculture program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Extension offices are located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield.

For more Extension online programs, including environmental topics, yard and garden care, and 4-H clubs for youth, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

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

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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.