Category: Public Info

As part of the 2023 Chairman Initiatives, “Building a Stronger Union County,” the Union County Board of County Commissioners, are pleased to announce that a series of four informational sessions will be held for residents who wish to file a property tax appeal. The new, first-of-its-kind program is designed assist in navigating the appeal process without incurring unnecessary attorney fees, as part of Union County’s commitment to support long-term housing security.

“Taking care of our residents is something that our Commissioner Board strives to do and we believe that everyone can use assistance, especially when living costs are on the rise,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “These workshops, that include both information and filing assistance, will help ensure that people can access information on their property and possibly reduce their property taxes by appealing, all while Union County is covering the costs of the filing fee for those qualifying seniors and veterans who attend. Together, we continue to prioritize our efforts to strengthen the programs and services offered to our residents, while maintaining our strong financial footing – because we know that every dollar counts.”

The sessions will be conducted by staff attorneys with the Union County Office of the County Counsel. Attendees will learn how to file an appeal without an attorney; get assistance in completing the appeals application; and get help navigating online resources to obtain recent sales comparisons.

The sessions are free but registration is required in advance at www.ucnj.org/taworkshop. Please call Union County at 908-527-4182, if any additional assistance with registration is needed.

Any eligible Union County property owners can attend any of the following sessions:

• Rahway: Tuesday, February 28 at the Rahway Community Center, 275 East Milton Avenue, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Elizabeth: Saturday, March 4 at the Elizabeth Public Library, 11 South Broad Street, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
• Roselle: Thursday, March 9 at Union County’s Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
• Plainfield: Tuesday, March 14 at the Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Avenue, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Seniors and Veterans eligibility for a property tax waiver is based on the following qualifications:

• Must be a Union County resident
• Must be 62 years old or older, or a U.S. veteran honorably discharged from the military
• Must be the property owner of record with annual household income not greater than $65,000
• The tax assessed value of the home must not be greater than $399,000.

Union County will cover the filing fee for qualifying seniors and veterans who attend an information session. The fee is $5.00 for homes assessed up to $150,000 and $25.000 for homes assessed up to $399,000.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents with overseas travel plans that the U.S. Department of State is continuing to experience extended wait times for processing passport renewals and new passport applications.

“Before you make travel plans, please be sure to check the expiration date on your passport,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Most countries will not admit travelers with passports that will expire within six months, so be sure that your renewal is completed before the six-month period begins.”

The State Department is experiencing a wait time of 8-11 weeks for passport renewals and 5-7 weeks for expedited renewals. The same waiting period applies to new passport applications.

“We also remind travelers to make sure you are fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 before going overseas,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Most countries require it, and vaccination is the surest way to reduce the risk of serious illness, long term health impacts, or death from the virus.”

Travelers who are renewing their passports for the first time this year will notice the State Department has redesigned the passport book.

The new “Next Generation Passport” was designed with added security and aesthetic elements including a polycarbonate data page, laser-engraved personalization and updated artwork. The art features detailed linework and ink colors that showcase U.S. architecture, history, culture, landscapes, and traditions.

The Next Generation Passport is being introduced for new passports and renewals only. Current passport holders may continue to use their books and cards until they expire.

For the latest updates on passport wait times at the State Department, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. This service is available in person and by appointment only.

To make an appointment at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, use the online system: ucnj.org/county-clerk/county-clerk-online-appointment-system.

To make an appointment at the annex office in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, use the online system: ucnj.org/county-clerk/county-clerk-online-appointment-system.

Passport photos are also available at both offices for a nominal fee of $10.00 each.

For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Job seekers in Union County are invited to attend the upcoming Diversity and Inclusion Job Fair in honor of Black History Month beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22 at the Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Avenue in Plainfield. Leading employers in Union County will be participating, including Wakefern, RWJ Trinitas and more.

The event is a partnership between the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Plainfield Public Library, the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the American Job Center.

“By reaching out to our business community during Black History Month with the Diversity and Inclusion Job Fair, we hope to break down some of the barriers to employment and create new opportunities for our residents to reach their full potential,” said Union County Commissioner Board Sergio Granados, who is Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board.

Attendance is free of charge but pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/job-fair.

Attendees should dress for interviews and bring their resume.

Employers will have representatives on site to speak with attendees. Participating employers include the following companies, and more:

• COACH USA
• Wakefern
• Carefinders
• RWJ Trinitas
• FedEx
• Clean Harbors
• Amazon
• BAYADA
• On-Time Ambulance
• VisionWorks

Employers who are interested registering to participate in the job fair can email Carolina Marin, Union County American Job Center Senior Manager Business Development at Astrid.marin@ucnj.org.

The Union County American Job Center is a division of the Union County Department of Human Services, providing in-person career services. Counselors on staff work with job seekers to identify their interests, assess their skills and abilities, and advise them on in-demand jobs and potential training opportunities. The Union County American Job Center also organizes recruiting events and workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills, and more.

To learn more about employment services offered by the Union County American Job Center, visit ucajc.org and use the “Job Seekers” link. Searchable job-finding tools are also available at the “Search Jobs” and “Find a Job” links.

An orientation video about the services provided by Union County American Job Center is available on the Union County website at ucnj.org/dhs/workforce-development.

To contact the American Job Center by phone, call the Elizabeth office at 908-558-8000, or call the Plainfield office at 908-757-9090.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites children ages 12 and under to enjoy Sensory Friendly Storytime at three local public libraries in March, featuring readings by County Commissioners and other community leaders.

“Read Across America is something I look forward to every year; seeing the excitement in children’s faces as we come together and celebrate reading is one of the things that I love doing most as a County Commissioner,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This year, we are very proud to work with our local libraries to feature Sensory Friendly Storytime events that ensure all children will be able to participate and enjoy this inclusive, worry-free environment.”

“Storytime at the library is one of the joys of childhood, and we welcome every child to come and join in the fun with their friends, neighbors and visitors. We thank our partner libraries for helping us reach out to make Sensory Friendly Storytime a wonderful event for the young readers in our community,” said Union County Vice Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Sensory Friendly Storytime is free of charge but registration is required in advance through Union County’s secure registration page, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

Children of all abilities ages 12 and under are invited to attend any or all of the following sessions:

• Thursday, March 2, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Hillside Public Library, 1409 Liberty Avenue in Hillside
• Friday, March 3, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Elizabeth Public Library, 11 South Broad Street in Elizabeth
• Monday, March 6, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Avenue in Plainfield. 

Sensory Friendly Storytime is coordinated by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the public libraries of Hillside, Elizabeth and Plainfield.

For more information about activities and support services offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs visit ucnj.org/special-needs. To contact the office, use the online form at ucnj.org/special-needs, or call 908-527-4807 or 908-527-4781.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

The Union County Board of Elections reminds Springfield residents that Tuesday, February 21 is the deadline for voter registration for the March 14 Springfield Special School Board Election. The election will take place from 8am to 8pm.

Voting will take place at the regular polling locations, which can be found on the Election Board website, ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Election Board at 908-527-4123.

The secure ballot drop box located at the Chisholm Recreation Center, 100 South Springfield Avenue, Springfield, will be open for this election for voters wishing to return their mail-in ballot by using the drop box.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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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 Board of County Commissioners invites families to enjoy “February Festivities,” a nature-filled weekend of shows and activities at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, this Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19.

Spots are still available for Unique Creatures on Saturday, February 18 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The show features live animals including snakes, lizards, insects and birds.

 “Along with special programs like February Festivities, the doors of Trailside are open all year ‘round for visitors to walk through and explore the exhibits,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are very proud to offer our residents the enriching experiences of our natural heritage in our County parks and at Trailside.”

Pre-registration and a modest fee are required for all February Festivities programs. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to Union County’s secure online registration page. The fee per person per program is $7.00 for Union County residents and $8.00 for non-county residents.

The programs are recommended for families with children ages four and older.

In addition to Unique Creatures, a limited number of spots are available for the following February Festivities activities:

The Journey of Sap to Syrup, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19. See how real maple syrup is made and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing.

A Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19. Search the woods for buck rubs, bird nests and bright red berries, and enjoy a campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows. 

The Science of Magic, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 19 only, featuring mirrors, magnets and optical illusions.

For more details about February Festivities and other upcoming programs at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

Aside from special programming, Trailside welcomes visitors free of charge every day except Mondays and major holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please note that Trailside is closed on Monday, February 20, for President’s Day.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises Springfield residents that Vote-by-Mail ballots for the upcoming Special Election in Springfield will be mailed to voters beginning on Wednesday, February 15.

The Special Election will be held on Tuesday, March 14.

“We encourage all voters to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Vote-by-Mail enables voters to cast their vote at their convenience, and avoid any last minute Election Day rush.”

Under New Jersey state elections law, any voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot for any reason. Voters have the option of receiving their Vote-by-Mail ballot automatically, for each election.

Voters who have not chosen to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballot automatically can apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot online through the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

Voters can also apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot by mail. The deadline to apply by mail is Tuesday, March 7.

Voters can also apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot in person at the County Clerk’s Annex Office beginning on Thursday, February 16. Voters who apply in person may vote their completed ballot while at the office.

A Vote-by-Mail ballot drop box is available at the Chisholm Community Center at 100 South Springfield Avenue in Springfield.

The Annex Office is located in the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County Complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. The hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 .pm.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Election 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 information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Connect with Union County on social media.

Kean University and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office invite you to join them for a joint law enforcement recruitment event on March 8th at the STEM Building at Kean at their Union Township campus. Attendees should bring copies of their resumes. Parking is available behind the STEM building. Please email lsacca@ucnj.org with any questions.

On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, The Union County Board of County Commissioners through our Department of Human Services kicked off our annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count and Survey of the Homeless population throughout the cities in our jurisdiction.

The PIT, also known as NJCounts, takes place every January and asks for a count of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. This program ran through Tuesday, January 31st, is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and for the tenth year, Monarch Housing Associates coordinates the statewide effort, along with Continuums of Care.

“The Point-In-Time Count is an important initiative that gives our Department of Human Services a more accurate count of persons experiencing homelessness and gathering information on what resources are needed, “said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, who also serves as liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “At the end of the day, these individuals are members of our community and understanding the scope of homelessness in our County is vital. It also helps us assess what caused them to become homeless; how long they have been on the streets and what is preventing them from becoming or staying housed and most importantly providing them with the resources to get out of homelessness.”

In 2022, due to the effects of the pandemic, Union County altered how they conducted the count versus previous years. Teams of Union County staff, government officials and local nonprofit organizations banded together in smaller groups of 4-6 people during a seven (7) day period in the morning, afternoon and late evening hours. Smaller groups surveyed people throughout the County who “sleep outdoors, in parks, alleys, under bridges, or places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, abandoned buildings, garages, or other structures without electricity or water.”

For the 2023 unsheltered count, which took place at 3:00 a.m. on January 25th, thirty three (33) volunteers gathered at Social Services in Elizabeth and Plainfield and surveyed the areas of Elizabeth, Plainfield, Summit, Roselle, Roselle Park, Garwood, Linden, Rahway, Hillside and Union. The five groups that went identified fourteen (14) unsheltered homeless persons that were further assessed for services at the Union County DHS/Division of Social Services office. Over 200 adults and children were provided shelter through the County’s Code Blue program. The group also provided materials for the homeless, including blankets, coats, clothing, toiletries, socks, hats, gloves, sandwiches, provided by Be the Change from Kean University, scarves, soup, provided by Mo’s Café and hot coffee.

On Wednesday, January 25th and Thursday, January 26th, service fairs were held by the City of Plainfield and the Plainfield Action Services at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center and the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless at the Mickey Walker Center in Elizabeth. Plainfield’s service fair had a total of sixty-one (61) persons in attendance and Elizabeth’s service fair had a total of two-hundred and seven-nine (279) persons in attendance. Both service fairs offered resources from over eighteen (18) social service providers. The Union County Office of Health Management also provided forty-three (43) individuals with the COVID-19 vaccination; of which sixteen (16) of them either received their first dose or completed their primary series. All forty-three (43) persons received a gift card from NJDOH for $25.

During the seven (7) day count, which took place from January 25 through January 31, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, a total of five (5) groups, representing a total of sixteen (16) volunteers went out to survey the homeless throughout Union County in: Elizabeth, Plainfield, Summit, Roselle, Roselle Park, Garwood, Linden, Rahway, Hillside and Union. The five groups that went identified twenty-four (24) homeless persons.

The data collected during NJCounts also helps determine how much McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance HUD funding Union County will receive and provides crucial resources for the homeless and housing insecure living in Union County.

• DEPARTMENT:  PUBLIC SAFETY
• TITLE OF POSITION:   HEALTH OFFICER
• DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: Under direction, recommends local public health policies; plans, develops, coordinates, & directs the work program of a municipal health department or agency & directs the enforcement of public health within the municipality concerned; does related work as required.
• EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:  Possession of a valid Health Officer License issued by the NJ Department of Health.
• SALARY RANGE:  $86,499 –  $135,155
• PRINT NAME: Andrew F. Moran                         
• TITLE:  Director, Department of Public Safety
• INTERESTED APPLICANTS MAY CONTACT THE DEPT. OF  PUBLIC SAFETY @   908-518-5640
• UNION COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
• UNION COUNTY RESIDENCY REQUIRED