Passaic City Council Meeting on January 9, 2026 (Date Discrepancy with Transcript)

Note: The provided date for this summary is January 9, 2026, but the transcript indicates the meeting occurred on December 16, 2025. This discrepancy is noted; the summary below follows the transcript content but uses the given date for the title.

The meeting was called to order by Council President Sheer, with a roll call showing all members present (Councilwoman Mello, Councilman Mayer, Councilman Garcia, Councilwoman Colombo Tanez, and Council President Sheer). The meeting included approval of minutes, public comments, unanimous consent on numerous routine items, introduction of three ordinances, payment of bills, and adjournment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of May 20, June 17, and July 1 (of an unspecified year, likely 2025) were approved unanimously by roll call vote.
• Communications items 1 through 27 were accepted as routine by unanimous roll call.
• Items 28 through 35 and 36 (Board of Education) were approved with separate votes. Item 36 was approved unanimously after a separate roll call.
• Item 38 (unidentified) was approved unanimously with a separate vote.
• Items 39 through 56 were approved in a block. Councilman Monk requested clarification on item 49, which was described by the administration as a DEP requirement for the former gas works site (PSCNG work). All items passed unanimously.
• Payment of bills (agenda number nine) was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Renee Griggs (resident of 23 Aspen Place, Apartment 6C) spoke in support of recent improvements in policing at Spear Village. She reported that on October 31, during a Halloween event, the security coordinator and officers from the new policing order were present, gave out candy, and engaged with residents. She stated this was a positive shift in community policing, adding that officers remain visible and reassuring. She thanked Chief Guzman for his work and wished everyone happy holidays.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 57 – Restricted Parking for Disabled Persons: An ordinance amending the designation of restricted parking for disabled persons by license plate number. Set down for second and final hearing on January 8 (date unclear, but motion passed unanimously).
• Ordinance 58 – Market Street Redevelopment Plan Amendment: An ordinance to add a parcel (an old, non-conforming mechanic shop off Monroe Street) to the redevelopment plan area. Councilman Monk asked for clarification; the administration explained that the parcel was omitted from the original plan and the owner wants it included for a larger project. The plan itself does not change. Set down for second and final hearing on January 20, 2026. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 59 – Affordable Housing Mandatory Set-Aside: An ordinance amending Chapter 317-30 B sub 8 to change the rounding rule for fractional affordable housing units: fractions of 0.5 or higher will now round up (previously any fraction rounded up). Councilman Monk asked about the need for a planning board consistency review. The city attorney clarified that the change is minor and does not alter the essence of the plan, so the planning board referral step can be omitted. The council voted to accept for first reading and set second reading for the next regular meeting (January, not January 20). Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All three ordinances (57, 58, 59) were introduced on first reading with unanimous votes and set for final hearings on dates in January 2026.
• All routine items (minutes, communications, bills) were approved unanimously.
• The council and administration exchanged holiday wishes, and Councilman Monk’s family provided donuts as a tradition.
• The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.