Good evening.

On behalf of the governing body, we welcome you to the March 17th, 2026 City Council meeting.

In accordance with Chapter 231 public laws of 1975, adequate notice of this meeting was provided by resolution of the municipal council adopted on June 17, 2025, setting forth the schedule of meetings for the year 2025-2026.

Said notice was published and posted on the City Hall Bulletin Board by the Office of the City Clerk.

Please be further advised this meeting will be conducted in person.

The Zoom stream provided is for viewing only and is offered to the public as a convenience.

On March 6, 2026, public notice and zoom instructions for this meeting were posted on the City of Passaic website at WWW City of Pasake.com council agendas.

Instructions are also available on the last page of this agenda.

Please be guided accordingly.

Councilwoman Mello.

Present.

Councilman Mayor.

President.

Councilman Garcia.

Councilwoman Colom Montañez.

President.

And Council President Sher.

President Shirel, please rise.

Heavenly Father, we want to thank you, Lord, for allowing us to meet this evening.

Father God, we ask you to please guide us in the decisions that will take place this evening.

In your beloved name, we pray.

Amen.

Thank you.

And justice for all.

Before turning over the chair, um, let me just make a few announcements if I may.

And that is copies of tonight's agenda as well as our ordinances, resolutions, and background, are available on the city's website.

You can then access everything that members of the council receive from the administration in which to make uh determinations and wise judgments.

Um, councilman love will be joining us uh through Zoom.

Um, and it is with great pleasure that I turn the microphone over to uh councilwoman Mellow and Councilwoman, please.

Thank you, Council President.

So council.

She doesn't have to read all she does have a worry, let's go out of books.

Good evening, everyone.

We thank you all for coming tonight as we honor some wonderful women tonight, women that are pillaring our community, women that are making a change not only today, but continuously with education, running nonprofits, and even in our law enforcement.

So I'm gonna hand the mic over to my colleague, Merza Councilwoman Meritza Colombantinez.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good evening.

Good evening, honories, guests, and colleagues.

Tonight it is the privilege for the council to recognize these remarkable women for their invaluable contribution to our society.

These are women who understand the power of their role, not only in their families and profession, but in shaping and strengthening our entire community.

They stand at the example of leadership, resilience, and service.

The freedoms and opportunities women experience today were not always guaranteed.

They were earned through courage, sacrifice, and perseverance.

During women's history month, we reflect on the countless women who have changed the course of history, leaders, educator, advocates, mothers, and pioneers who refuse to accept limitations and instead open doors for generations that follow.

This month is closely connected to International Women's Day.

Celebrated each year on March 8th.

The observance began in early 1900s when women around the world organized to rest raised their voices for fair work and conditions, voting rights, and equality.

In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized March 8th as International Women's Day, establishing a global moment to celebrate the achievement of women's and renown and commitment to quality and opportunity for all.

Throughout history, extraordinary women have shaped our world, leaders such as Rosa Parks, whose courage helped ignite the civil rights movement, Malala Yousefe, a fearless advocate for girls' education, Eleanor Roosevelt, who helped establish modern human rights standards through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In science and innovation, women like Marie Curry, a groundbreaking scientist, and the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, Katherine Johnson, whose brilliant calculation helped guide humanity to the moon during the Apollo 11 moon landing, forever changed the course of scientific history.

In pursuit of justice and compassion, women such as Harriet Tubman, who currently led enslaved people to freedom, Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poor and vulnerable through the missionary of charity, remind us that the power of faith, service, and humanity.

And in political leadership, women like Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to leave the UK, Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, shattered barriers and paved the way for women in public service.

Tonight, as we recognize the remarkable women before us, we also honor the legacy of those who became who came before them and acknowledge the responsibility we share to continue, continue lifting others up.

As we celebrate Women's History Month and approach international women's, let us remember that the progress has always been driven by women who had the courage to stand up, speak out, and leap forward.

Tonight we honor these extraordinary women not only for what they have accomplished, but for the future they are helping to shape their leadership, strength our community, their example inspires the next generation, and their impact will continue to be felt long after tonight.

For that, we thank them, we celebrate them, and we profoundly recognize them this evening.

So tonight we honor these extra extraordinary women, not only for what they have accomplished.

Could we go start?

Yes.

So we will start with our first honoring glasses.

So tonight, the um the first proclamation is an honor for Dr.

Sandra Montañez Diodinet.

Whereas the city of Passake proudly recognizes Dr.

Sandra Montañez Diodinet for her leadership in public education and her dedication to expanding opportunities for students and families in diverse communities.

And whereas a proud graduate of PASIC High School and the daughter, and the daughter of immigrant parents from Puerto Rico, Dr.

Diodine's commitment to education is deeply personal and rooted in her own experiences growing up in this community.

And whereas Dr.

Diodinette has served as superintendent of PASIC Public Schools since 2021, leading with a vision that prioritized educational equity, cultural and linguistical responsive learning, and expanded opportunities for multilingual learners and students with disabilities.

And whereas over the course of more than two decades in education, she has served in numerous roles, including teacher, instruction coach, principal, associate chief academic officer, and assistant superintendent in the Patterson Public Schools, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to student success and academic excellence.

And whereas Dr.

Diodine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from William Patterson University, to master's degree from New Jersey's New Jersey City University in Multicultural Educational Studies and Urban Educational Leadership, and a doctorate in educational leadership in administration and policy from Fordham University.

And whereas she also serves as an adjunct professor at the Fordham University Graduate Schools of Education and is the author of a dual language children's book, Oh No.

Abby is a chronicle chronically absent.

What should we do?

Helping families understand the importance of consistent school attendance and its impact on the student learning.

And whereas, beyond her professional achievements, Dr.

Diodinette is active in community service through Calvary Temple International and Wayne, is a proud member Alpha Kappa Sorority Inc.

and serves as the vice president elect of Passag Rotary Club.

And whereas, through her leadership, scholarship and commitment to service, Dr.

Diorine continues to champion the belief that all students, regardless of background, language, and circumstances, deserve access to high quality education.

And now, therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Hector C.

Laura, mayor of the city of PASIC, together with the honorable members of PASIC City Council, do hereby recognize and honor Dr.

Sandra Montañez Diodinet during Women's History Month for her leadership, dedication to education and commitment to empowering students and families through opportunity and learning.

Congratulations.

Good evening.

Well, praise the Lord for all of that.

Uh, thank you so much for being recognized for Women's History Month.

Thank you to Mayor Laura.

Thank you, Council.

Uh, thank you to my husband and family.

I would not be here without the help of my family and God or Pisake Public Schools because I was that little girl uh at number eight school who loved school and had teachers who believed in me.

And so I am the superintendent because teachers and my community poured into me.

And so here I am today, Dr.

Gieldine.

And so I say to all the little girls and all the boys out there, I can't wait to call you doctor.

Um, and I can't wait to read your book.

Um, and you have a village here in Pasake that will support you again.

Thank you, Mayor Laura.

Um, thank you, family and friends.

God bless you.

And while we're here, oh we also want to recognize the women that are in this room.

Round of applause to all the women during the show.

All right, our next honoring is our principal, Jennifer Barker.

Jen, you're making me feel old.

Hanging out with my little brothers and all Lord, but congratulations.

Whereas the city of PASIC proudly recognizes principal Jennifer Barker for her dedication to education and her leadership and guidance and inspiring students within the PASIC public school system.

And whereas Jennifer Natera to Jennifer was born to Dominican immigrant parents, Margarita Rosario, and bienvenido Natera, Principal Barker is a proud product of PASIC Public Schools and graduated from PASIC High School in 2002 before earning a bachelor's of science and teaching cum latin from the College of New Jersey.

Whereas she began her career as a self-contained classroom teacher for students with disability in East Orange and PASAG, demonstrating a deep commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs.

And whereas, motivated by the need of the family of the family she served, she earned a master's degree in learning disability and became a learning disability teacher consultant, working on the child study team to strengthen collaboration between schools and family, and whereas Principal Barker later serves, served as the special educational instructional chair, partnering with school leaders and teachers to improve instructional support and educational outcomes for students.

And whereas in 2019, she transitioned into school leadership as an assistant principal at school number six and later became the founding principal of Elling Ochoa School No.

Helping establish a strong academic foundation for its students.

And whereas in July 2025, she returned to her alma mater to serve as principal of PASIC High School, bringing her passion for education and personal connection to the community that the students she now leads.

And whereas Principal Barker remains deeply committed to building strong relationships with students and families while inspired inspiring young people to believe in their potential and pursue their goals with confidence and determination.

And now, therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Hector C.

Laura, mayor of the city of PISAC, together with the honorable members of the PISAC City Council, who hereby recognize and honor Principal Jennifer Barker during Women's History Month for her leadership, dedication to education, and commitment to shaping the next generation of students in the city of Passake.

I'm one of few words.

So first and foremost, I want to say thank you to my family for being here.

My husband, my children, my mom, um, all of my aunts in the background.

Um, I come from a lineage of very strong women who pursue pursue their dreams, work hard, and essentially have an incredible work ethic.

And because of them, I am who I am.

And so I'm grateful.

Thank you for this honor.

It means so much to me.

Um, have a wonderful evening.

They're gonna make me work.

I'm gonna try.

The next honoree we have is Dr.

Ellen Elise Bourne Busby, right?

I said all right.

Whereas the city of Passake probably recognized Dr.

Elise Bourne Busby for her line, her lifelong dedication to education, community service, and the humanitarian leadership that has positively impacted countless students, families, and community.

Dr.

Bourne Busby, I said that right, migrated to the United States from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies in 1963, and went on to pursue a distinguished career in education, ultimately earning her doctorate in educational leadership from the West Nova Southern Southern Eastern West, Southern Eastern University in 1997.

Throughout her career as an educator and school leader, she served as principal of Bryan Elementary School and previously White School in Teenic, New Jersey, where her leadership helped foster strong literacy outcomes and a culture of academic success among a diverse student population.

Dr.

Born Budsby is recognized for her innovative approach in education, including her research based on Howard Gap Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence and the development of the Becoming Self-Smart Program, a self-reflected disciplinary model that significantly reduced disruptive behavior while encouraging personal growth and accountability among students.

Her work in education and leadership has earned numerous recognition, including the Geraldine R.

Dodge Fellowship Award for Principal, the Outstanding Administrator Award from the United Passake Organization, the Alan Moorehead Memorial Award from Montclair State University, and multiple humanitarian and community service honors.

Whereas a 25-year cancer survivor, Dr.

Bourne.

Bourne Bugsby, co-founder of the nonprofit organization More Than Friends in 1995, which provides support to cancer patients throughout through transportation, financial assistance, and community outreach, while also assisting families and promoting youth literacy initiatives.

Dr.

Bourne Busby is the proud mother of three accomplished daughters whose achievements reflect the values of present perseverance and education.

She instilled in them, including a retired United States Guards Commander who now served as a JROTC instructor, a licensed therapist and Rutgers University professor and an inventor and educational consultant serving students in New Jersey in recognition of her lasting contributions to education, mentorship, and community leadership, the Family Resource Center at Bryan School in Teenek, New Jersey, was named in honor of Dr.

In recognition of her lasting contributions to education, mentorship, and community leadership, the Family Resource Center at Bryan's School in Teenek, New Jersey, was named in honor of Dr.

Bourne Busby and her daughters in 2025.

Now, therefore, it is proclaimed that I, Hector C.

Laura, together with the honorable members of the Passake City Council do hereby recognize and honor Dr.

Elise Bourne Busby during Women's History Month for her lifelong contributions to education, community service, and enduring dedication to empowering others.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

It is an honor and a privilege to live in the city of Passaic, a multicultural, multi-language city, and a male who was one of my students at St.

Anthony School.

And Dr.

Janet Hall, who I was her kindergarten teacher.

So tonight is a proud night for me.

Thank you.

Thank you for recognizing me and my family and the support of Northern Friends who take care of cancer survivors.

Thank you.

And our last honoree for today, huh?

We have we're honoring Captain Claudia Sophia Aguirre Cruz.

Well as the City of Passake proudly recognized Captain Claudia Sophia Aguirre Cruz for her dedication, leadership, and more than two decades of service to Passake Police Department and the community she has long called home.

Captain Aguirre Cruz is a 24-year veteran of the Passake Police Department, and on September 30th, 2024, made history as the first female officer to be promoted to the rank of captain in the city of Passake.

Marking a significant minister for the department of the community.

A true product of the city of Passaic, Captain Agiri Cruz was born at Passake General Hospital and spent most of her life in the community, attending Fatima Daycare in our Lady of Mount Carmel School before graduating from Deepall High School in Wayne.

Captain Aguirre Cruz furthered her education at Rutgers University, where she earned a bachelor's degree with a double mayor in criminal justice and psychology, and a minor in Spanish, and later earned a master's of arts degree with John J.

College of Criminal Justice with specialization in criminal law and procedure and police administration.

Throughout her distinguished career, she has served the Passake Police Department in numerous roles, including patrol officer, field training officer, detective in the youth service division, and the member of the traffic division, where she continued, contributed to the accident reconstruction team, and served as both the radar instructor and a vehicle pursuit training instructor.

Captain Aguirre Cruz was promoted to sergeant on October 8, 2013, serving both in the traffic division and patrol, and later promoted to lieutenant on April 27, 2020, where she served as commander of both A and B ship, demonstrating professionalism, commitment, and leadership in every assignment.

Her promotion to captain reflects years of sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication to continuous learning and service, while also serving as an inspiration to future generation, pursuing careers in law enforcement, whereas Captain Aguirre Cruz credits her strong work ethic and determination to the influence of her mother, Sophia, and draws daily motivation from her daughter, Sophia, whose pride and encouragement continues to guide her commitment to excellence.

And now, therefore, being a complaint complaint.

During the women's history month for our outstanding service leadership and dedication to the city of Passake as the first female captain in the history of the City of Passake Police Department.

Thank you.

Councilwoman made me sound very, very busy.

I swear I get a lot of sleeping in between all of that.

Good evening, most honorable mayor Hector Laura, Council President Gary Sher, City Council members, distinguished guests, colleagues, friends, family, and of course my community members.

Women who fought for opportunity, equality, and a right to have our voices heard.

It represents the progress women have made through determination, resilience, and courage.

Because of them, we stand here today, continuing that legacy in our own unique ways.

It is truly inspiring to stand alongside such remarkable women whose dedication, strength, and resilience, and of course, all of your amazing contributions.

We continue to uplift and shape our community.

May God keep you safe and bless your path and guide you always.

Standing before you here tonight, recognized by Mayor Hector Laura, and we all know it's the best thing that happened to PASAG.

And the entire PASAC City Council during International Women's Month is both humbling and deeply meaningful.

This moment is more than a professional milestone.

It's a reflection of perseverance, faith, and the power of believing in yourself, even when the world feels uncertain.

When I began my journey in law enforcement, I never, never ever did I imagine that I would serve as the first female police captain in the city of Passake.

There were moments that challenged me.

Moments when the climb folded steep and its outs were loud.

But in those moments, I learned that growth happens in adversity.

It happens in discomfort.

Each obstacle prepared me.

Each challenge refined me, and each victory reminded me that breaking barriers is never just about one person.

It's about opening doors for those who will follow.

One of the greatest blessings of my career has been overseeing our school resource officers unit.

In our classrooms and in our hallways, I have witnessed resilience in its purest form.

I have seen how consistency, compassion, and simply showing up can change the trajectory of a young person's life.

Trust is not built overnight.

It's built conversation by conversation, action by action.

Every day I see the impact that safety, guidance, and mentorship can have on our students.

My current assignment as SRO commander has taught me that law enforcement is not just about enforcing laws, it is about building bridges, it is about kindness, it is about fairness, and it's about doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

Often I am asked, how is it that I do it?

You know, the answer is very simple with my heart on my sleeve.

You see, as a little girl, I experienced some really ugly things, and I grew up seeing situations that I never wanted to be a part of.

You are looking at a woman who has a little girl, was beaten regularly by her alcoholic father.

I knew all too well what domestic violence was.

Then as a teenager, I was told I didn't have what it takes to go to college.

Simply because I was that Latin ever was safe.

And if you know me or anything about me, you already know how that story went.

Realistically, I've been training for this position since I was five.

So tonight's recognition does not belong to me at all.

It belongs to Mayor Hunter Laura, who believes that I have what it takes to fill these shoes.

It belongs to my mom who watches us from above.

My family, and to every mentor who guided me, every colleague who stood by my side, and to my brothers and sisters in blue who served with me, and every community member who believes in me.

Leadership is not defined by rank or title, it is defined by service.

It's about lifting others as you rise and making sure that success is shared and not kept.

A title may make you a boss.

Yes, that is true.

But it is your people who decide if you are a leader.

And when women support each other, incredible things happen.

Actually, if we listen closely, we can hear that glass ceiling shatter.

And this award has the name of every woman before me who was never recognized, not because of her talent or ability, but because of her gender.

And every little girl who will be following in my path with her heart set on breaking barriers and shattering ceilings.

Recently, officer Anna Certa shared a quote with me that resonated deeply, but I had to also share with you that she likes to be called Annie.

And the quote goes like this.

You can never break a woman who finds beauty in everything, even in pain.

She turns your scars into wisdom, her struggles into strength, and her setbacks into a comeback.

Those words reflect not only on my journey, but on a journey of so many women who continue to lead with courage and grace.

Your voice matters.

Be bold.

Be resilient.

Be courageous.

Be you.

And do it all with a smile.

Yes.

Your mere presence may unsettle some.

Show up anyway.

And no, not everyone's gonna clap for you.

But you make sure you win anyway.

And remember that diamonds are formed under pressure.

And your power not lies not in avoiding struggle, but in rising every single time you fail.

So let's get into religion for a second.

Because everybody knows I'm a strong believer in God.

So Isaiah 43 colon 2.

God says, I didn't promise you an easy journey, but I did promise to walk with you through it.

Ladies and gentlemen, in case no one told you, I'm gonna tell you.

All you need is God.

So the most honorable Hector Carlos Laura, our amazing mayor, the entire sixth city council, Chief of Police, Louis Guzman, my deputy chiefs, Louis Gentile and Jonathan Sharon, and the entire Psych Police Department, the SAC school superintendents, Dr.

Sandra, the PSA Board of Education, and of course to the entire PSE community.

Your unwavering support allows us to protect our schools, strengthen our neighborhoods, and create a city where every child feels safe and every family feels valued.

Together, we're not just preserving safety.

No, we are building hope.

We are strengthening our community and building a stronger future for the next generation.

I am deeply honored to accept this recognition, and I do so with heartfelt gratitude and renowned purpose.

Striving each and every day to make the city a place where every person feels safe, respected, and inspired.

I remain committed to this community and to the people who make it extraordinary.

Oh, with my heart on my sleeve.

From the very bottom of my heart.

Thank you so much for this incredible recognition.

It's an honor.

Thank you.

Some elected officials that are here.

We have our county surrogate.

So you like us and all.

Thank you for joining us tonight.

Our vice president of school board, Sister Judith.

Oh, yeah, president.

I'm sorry, sister.

And then we also have Dr.

Hall.

And our mayor and our city council, thank you.

Commissioner Leslie Suniga.

And Deputy Mayor Edwin, Dr.

Edwin Garcia.

We say about a name of someone I did not name, please would not believe me.

I can't say from far really well.

But I mean, thank you all for coming out tonight and honoring these incredible women.

All deserve thank you for what you're doing in our community.

Because it's not easy every day, especially women, you know, house, work, children.

Thank you.

Oh, commissioner house and thank you.

Council President.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Hector Laura.

I'd be brief.

I just want to also uh recognize the presence of the president of the NAACP, Miss Sherry Greater.

To all of the honorees, congratulations for your hard work, dedication, commitment, and the example that you have set for all.

All especially young women, but for all, not just in our city, but in our state and everywhere.

I want to congratulate Dr.

Bugsby.

Obviously, uh Bugsley, she mentioned I was one of her students.

If any of you have ever wondered why my right ear longer than my left, now you understand.

Um, no, but seriously, your dedication to education and forming and mentoring uh young people have made differences that will far outlast far out last many of us.

Thank you so much for all that you do.

Obviously, to Captain Uh Gary Cruz, you share briefly uh a little bit of our private conversation, but thank you for uh for being who you are.

I've always believed in you, and I genuinely am so proud of your work and your leadership and how you continue to serve this community where you were born in and where you grew up in to uh Principal Barker.

I I have had the privilege of seeing your leadership uh with my own children in public school and your love for our students for our city and your commitment to excellence everywhere where you lead.

We have seen you progress and grow.

You come from a phenomenal family of service and commitment, and we thank you so very much for all of your work and all of your commitment to the city of Passake.

To our superintendent, uh Sandra Dio Donette.

Again, congratulations on your book.

I was there for the book signing.

It's a wonderful book.

Thank you for being so intrinsic and ingrained in the community for so long in our city.

Obviously, there used to be a feeling of disconnect with the representatives and leaders, and though they work hard, and I can recognize so much contribution.

I can genuinely and honestly say that I have never seen in all my years born and raised in the city, a superintendent, uh, so committed to connect with the community, with every uh section of the community, utilizing every platform and every opportunity to make sure that students, that children who come from this city know that they can rise to the highest levels of leadership and serve in this city, and that means everything.

To our remarkable councilwomen, councilwoman Tanya Mello and Councilwoman Maritza Colombo Daniels.

Fantastic job on this year's program as always.

Thank you, of course, for your leadership.

And I just want to take this point of uh also recognizing our youth council as uh Jesenia Kakis, my assistant mentioned.

They are here with us.

Our youth council that did interviews of all the honorees, they will go up on our uh channels, which is optimum and uh files and YouTube and uh social media.

We're putting them all up there, but I'm gonna ask all of our youth council, all young ladies and leaders in our city to stand up that we can give them a round of applause.

They've recently launched uh the Love Your Lungs campaign to educate and uh ensure the young people understand the need to protect their lungs against vaping and smoking.

You can find that online.

Also, we want to recognize, especially during this women's history month, uh my new appointee as director of human services, Marcia Sanabrier, if she can please stand up, overseeing our PASIC Alliance, our human services, our seniors, services, our recreation, and our health department.

Thank you so much.

In that same spirit, I would like this opportunity to acknowledge our city clerk who and the clerk's office, weather the free S for decorating and setting up our assistant clerk Adele, who is right here next to us, our city attorney, Susie, Susie Byrne, our city attorney, our lead of our senior services, Francine Wise, our right hand to the chief of police, Miss Robin Dukes, making sure that all the things police are getting taken care of up there, all that just to highlight from councilwomen to attorneys and our assistant uh Jacene is also an attorney to those who lead to our former commissioner of open space, Isabel Aguadelo.

We have a long list of amazing, wonderful, of incredible, of dedicated women leading in this city.

But as mayor, I want to ensure that we recognize them every single day because they keep this city moving forward.

As mayor, I'm often mentioned and uh sometimes highlighted along with the city council, but it is the efforts of all of our workers, but especially our amazing and wonderful women that keep lifting this city up higher and higher.

We are truly blessed by your leadership and your commitment.

Thank you so very much.

Thank you, Council President.

At this time, we'll take remarks from uh council members.

Uh Councilman uh Daniel Mayor, please.

Thank you, Council President.

Congratulations to all their honores on their well-deserved honors, balancing hard work in each of their individual and respected careers and commitment to the life outside of work is the most difficult task.

Multitasking the expectations of mom, daughter, sister, and career can be quite challenging.

Yes, the woman honored here and all women present tonight have proven hard work, grant and empathy payoff.

So God speed to the young girls out there that are starting out on their journeys.

The woman here tonight have set a tremendous example and continue to be a great role model for them.

Congratulations.

I know that councilman love and councilman monk are accessible through Zoom.

Just Councilman Monk.

Councilman Monk.

Thank you, uh Council President.

I'm uh plays a little bit noisy here, so I'll just keep it very brief.

Uh, just to thank our councilwoman uh for putting this uh together and uh gives me the recognition for uh all the do and really uh to be done daily uh terms of the contribution the women have brought to you know the city specifically and and to the country and on many many different levels.

Uh so thank you, thank you, and uh keep it up.

So it's all appreciated.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman.

Can we access Councilman Love or no?

Okay, I'm sure he'll get on as soon as we're uh okay.

Just a brief announcement first to my comments.

Um immediately after my comments will be taking about a 10-minute recess.

When we come back from the recess, we will go into council session, beginning with hearing of citizens and going to resolutions, ordinances, and the and the rest of it.

Um I speak on behalf of all of the council and thanking our councilwomen uh for putting on such an amazing presentation and doing so within the time allowed it.

Uh we try.

Well, more than trying, you succeed, man.

And we can say that in so many aspects and in so many ways about the women present not only today, but the women present all the time.

The ones the councilman mayor spoke of the caregivers, the nurses, the teachers, the instructors, so much so many, and we're dependent upon all of them.

I did I call upon councilman, I didn't call upon you.

Forgive me, Councilman Garcia.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, President.

I just want to humbly uh congratulate all the honor and uh sure you get these because of your hard work and your dedication to do this.

So thank you and you and your families, and God bless you all.

Thank you.

We are indeed blessed to be together tonight.

We look forward to the future with your assistance, your help, your direction, and your guidance with God's help, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you so very much.

We'll be reconvening in 10 minutes at eight o'clock.

In accordance with the open public meetings act at JSA 10 colon 4-1 at sec.

The council opens every public meeting for comments of the public.

However, in accordance with the JSA 10 colon 4-12, nothing in this act shall be construed to limit the discretion of the public body to permit, prohibit, or regulate the active participation at any meeting.

Therefore, please be advised that the council will not entertain any comments from persons who communicate and see material, make statements which are considered bias intimidation, in which a person attends to intimidate any individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, or makes comments intending to harass us any offensive language.

The person who makes these statements will relinquish their allotted five minutes for public discussion.

Is there anyone who would like to adjust the council, please?

Motion to second.

There's a motion as a second to close public hearing.

Roll call.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia?

Yes.

Councilman Colom Montañez?

Yes.

And Council President Shear.

Yes, thank you.

We're up to ordinances for second and final reading.

Hearing is required.

Number one.

Proposed ordinance number 2517-26.

An ordinance amending the designation by restricted parking for disabled persons by New Jersey license plate number.

Is there a motion, please, to open public hearing?

Second.

Motion and second.

Roll call, please.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia.

Yes.

Councilman Colom Montañez?

Yes.

And Council President Shear.

Yes, thank you.

At this time, ladies and gentlemen, the council is deliberating 2517-26.

Is there anyone who would like to adjust the council, please on this item and this item only?

Seeing no one seeing no one?

Move to close.

There's a motion.

There's a second to close public hearing.

Roll call.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia.

Yes.

Councilman Colom Montañez.

Yes.

And Council President Shear.

Yes, thank you.

Is there a motion to accept the ordinance?

Move it.

Second.

Move and second to accept.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia?

Yes.

Councilman Colom Montañez.

Yes.

And Council President Shear.

Yes, thank you.

Next, please, number two.

Proposed ordinance 2518-26.

An ordinance amendment city code of the city of Pacific, Chapter 295, Vehicles and Traffic.

Part 10.

Residential parking permits.

Articles 21 residential parking permit requirements.

Is there a motion, please to open public hearing?

Motion.

Second.

Motion and second roll call to open public.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilman Mellow.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor.

Yes.

Councilman Garcia.

Yes.

Councilman Colom Monteñez.

Yes.

And Council President Shear.

Yes, at this time, ladies and gentlemen, the council will be deliberating 2518-26.

Is there anyone who would like to address the council on this item and this item out of it?

Do you have two?

Is there a motion to close public hearing?

Second.

Is there a second to close?

Second.

Motion, second to close public hearing.

Roll call.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia.

Yes.

Councilman Colom Montañez.

Yes.

And Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

Mr.

Fernandez, at this point, uh, the council is deliberating 2518.

Can you share with us the salient points of the ordinance?

Um, we're on 2519-26, correct?

2518, I believe.

Ordinance.

Oh, 18.

Okay.

I'm sorry, I heard 19.

That's okay.

Um, yeah, so this is uh just adding an additional zone to our residential parking permit ordinance.

Uh this zone will take you from uh Brook Avenue to the Clifton City Sake limits.

So it's it's really one block uh to Turhune, and then all the intertwining streets that are within that area.

So it's basically Brooke from Brook to the city line, which is literally halfway past Turhune, and then from Main Avenue to River Road.

So it's just that one section to alleviate any parking uh overnight that may be overflow from our neighboring municipality.

This is not the first area that's been designated uh for this treatment.

What is the response been?

Uh it's been a very positive response.

In fact, a lot of the complaints that uh the mayor was once receiving, especially downtown in the Garfield uh Wallington area, uh bordering Passake has subsided significantly, right?

Mayor, I just want to make sure that uh that's accurate, and we've we've had uh a lot of success.

In fact, some of the the main avenue uh residential parking permits has actually assisted not only the residents living in that area overnight, but also the businesses and the shared parking within uh that zone.

So uh we have a we have a handful of zones, two commercial and three residential.

So this would be added on to that uh ordinance.

Very good, sir.

Thank you.

Any questions from the council?

There being none, is there a motion to accept the ordinance?

Motion motion and second on 2518.

Councilman Monk, yes, councilwoman mellow, yes, councilman mayor, yes, councilman Garcia, yes, councilman Colom Montañez, yes, and Council President Shear.

Yes, thank you.

An ordinance amending chapter 203 parks and playgrounds to amend section 20323-4, third ward park.

Excuse me, regarding fishing at Hughes Lake in order to conform with the New Jersey Fish and Game Law and facilitate participation in any New Jersey DEB fish and wildlife spring trout stocking program.

Is there a motion, please to open public hearing?

Second.

Motion and second roll call.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia?

Yes.

Councilwoman Colombon Tannez?

Yes.

And Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you, ladies and gentlemen.

At this time, Council is deliberating proposed ordinance 2519.

Is there anyone who would like to adjust the council on this item and the site amount link?

Seeing none, move to close.

Second.

Motion and second to close.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow?

Yes.

Councilman Mayer?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia?

Yes.

Councilwoman Colombo Tanez?

Yes.

And Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

On the ordinance, please.

Is there a maker?

Move it.

Second.

Motion and second.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia?

Yes.

Councilwoman Colombo Tannez.

Yes.

Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

On the ordinance, please is with that was done.

Okay, we're up to 2520.

Very good.

With the council's permission, proposed ordinance 2520-26.

And ordinance amending chapter 317-30 B sub 8.

Affordable housing mandatory set aside.

Is there a motion, please to open public hearing?

Move it.

Second.

Motion and second roll call, please.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow?

Yes.

Councilman Mayer?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia?

Yes.

Councilman Colombon Tenez?

Yes.

And Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

That was to open public motion.

No.

Thank you.

At this time, ladies and gentlemen, the council will be deliberating proposed orders 2020-26.

Is there anyone who would like to adjust the council on this item and this item only?

See no hands.

I move to close the public portion.

Second motion and second.

Councilman Monk.

Yeah, I should second seconding.

Very good.

Thank you, sir.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia?

Yes.

Councilman Colombon Tenez?

Yes.

And Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

We just opened.

We just closed.

Is this on the ordinance now?

On the ordinance, please.

Is there a make roof?

Move it.

Motion.

And second.

Roll call, please.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow?

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia.

Yes.

Councilman Colombon Tenez?

Yes.

And Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

The ordinance passes.

Yes, sir.

Very good.

Thank you, man.

We're up to Roman number seven on our agenda.

Communications items five and six.

Are there any questions, please?

On five or and six.

Seeing no hands.

Senior lights at this time is there motion please to accept five and six.

Motion.

Second.

Motion and second.

Roll call on five and six.

Councilman Monk?

Yes.

Councilwoman Mellow?

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia?

Yes.

Councilwoman Colombones.

Yes.

And Council President Shearer.

Yes, thank you.

All matters listed here under considered to be routine in nature.

Items seven through fourteen.

Are there any questions, please on seven through fourteen?

Senior lights at this time.

Is there a motion please to accept seven through fourteen?

Move it.

Motion and second.

Roll call, please.

Councilman Monk.

Yes.

Councilwoman Mello.

Yes.

Councilman Mayor?

Yes.

Councilman Garcia?

Yes.

Councilwoman Colombon Tenez?

Yes.

And Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

We're up to resolutions.

Remember number eight on our agenda.

Item number 15 authorizes a closed executive session.

Do we need closed executive?

No, Council President.

Very good.

Thank you, Mr.

Fernandez.

No, Council President.

Mr.

Mayor, sir.

Thank you, sir.

Members of the council.

That being the case, if we can go into resolutions number 16 through 26.

Are there any questions, please?

On 16 through 26, Councilman Mayor, please.

Um, 25.

And there's also this was supposed to be in the public disclosure report.

I don't know.

Which for how avenue incident for me?

Just manage my packet.

Let's see.

On 25, please.

Mr.

Fernandez, could you help us?

25 is uh is authorizing the cancellation of grant receivables and appropriation reserves.

So basically, what happens is there's tons of grants that the city has processed throughout the years, and this would offset the balance of what was spent to what was given, and it zeros out all the accounts it's required by our accountants and auditors as we prepare for the upcoming budget year.

Thank you.

On 26, please, Mr.

Fernandes, could you help us with the details of this?

Yeah, so this is the school resource officers contract between the city of Passaic and the Board of Education.

It is for 16 full-time police officers and seven special fees uh to you know for the safety of the school district as a whole.

And this was passed uh by the board of education at their last meeting, and now it comes to us for our uh vote to finalize and move the contract forward.

And on 20, Mr.

Fernandez uh on 20.

This is uh required license.

Uh the this applicant has gone through all the appropriate channels, received their planning board approvals, and um submitted to the state, and the one last thing they need for the clerk to be able to issue this uh the license is this resolution of support.

Uh once they have that, it goes to state of New Jersey.

Once they receive their state of New Jersey license, uh the clerk is free to issue their license.

This would make the second license we've issued.

We have one active, and this would be our second license for manufacturing, and it's the only two licenses we would have.

Very good.

Thank you.

Any other questions on 17 through 26?

Okay.

On 16, Councilman, yeah, separate call separate vote on 16.

And separate on 26.

Separate on 26.

Are there any other questions?

Yeah, I so I mean, I know this year was brutal.

So what are we moving forward?

I mean, I hopefully we don't get the same snowstorms.

Um, are is there a plan to maybe like maybe strategize for future snow removal?

So are we talking about the snow removal or the funding of the snow removal?

Well, both.

Yeah, so there is a plan in place.

Obviously, the issue was that the first storm uh was the cold weather after, which froze the mounds of snow, and then the second storm hit us right before we could finish removing the first storm.

Uh, but there is a plan in place.

In fact, the mayor has directed us to prepare a portal.

Um, our engineering firm is in the process of creating that portal uh where you can see up to date what's happening as uh as a resident.

So we're in the middle of working at, but um, surprises.

Should I did I let the case on the back?

Should I stop talking about there's uh additional things that have come out of it?

Yeah, we'll talk about it later.

Yeah, uh, but yes, there is a plan, and there's also more information that'll be coming out.

Are are we able to, for instance, because I know, especially like on my block, there's some people that did not shovel their cards out.

Can we enforce that?

Like yeah, so it's funny the chief and I were having a conversation on the break about individuals who got tickets, and they think that they're the only ones that got a ticket for not shoveling their cars, and that there's actually many tickets that are issued for individuals not shoveling their car, or if they're caught shoveling into the middle of the street.

So there were several streets where we cleaned the street, there was blacktop, then people started cleaning their cars, and because of the weather, I think that made a way to make sure that we clarify that when you threw your snow in the middle of the road, right?

It froze over in the middle of the road, making it harder for us to plow.

And sometimes, you know, it was very it was challenging not only for uh DPW but also you know, public safety vehicles.

But as bad as it as it was, and it was bad.

Um, I didn't see this here what I've seen in the past, and that is people putting out furniture to hold their parking spaces.

What did we do that um that resonated with our residents?

Well, I I have that that's all the mayor and his messaging out there, and not to part you know, I remember uh uh some Doritos uh coming into memory uh with that.

Uh there it's just uh the community campaign the mayor has put out throughout the entire storm.

Um, many of the residents the mayor kept them informed from the very moment the storm started throughout the entire storm and in the areas that were problematic to uh ask the residents to please cooperate with us so that we can make it as safe as possible for them during this uh storm.

And I think it worked.

And I think it worked councilman mayor, police and DPW enforcement, of course, but there was a lot of messaging that went out.

Mayor, I don't want to downplay what you did because it was amazing.

Councilman Mayor, please.

The effects of this storm mark.

Thank you, Council President.

The effects of the storm mark continue to affect us.

We had a discussion with the mayor that the business meeter last week, and and they expect the it's expected of the city now to go fill these potholes and you know we had a retreat last week of 80 degree weather, but it's back to 30 degrees.

The city's aware of it, it will be addressed in the proper time.

But just bring could you expound.

Yeah, so so what happens is when you put um let's call it cold patch for lack of a better word, because you're not it's not heated in the same fashion, and we put the patch on.

If it's too cold, it pops out, right?

And if it's wet, it pops out.

So what happens?

We had one very good day, and I have to say that we've been getting lists daily of the potholes that are getting filled by DPW.

It's just that the weather has not been cooperating to get as many of the potholes as we wanted.

And again, what compounded these potholes is typically this is normal after snowstorms and the the winters ending, there's potholes everywhere.

What made it worse is all that icing over that we had and all the you know the pushing of really what became blocks of ice that made that a little tougher than in years past.

So that's why you're seeing let's call them a little bit more than potholes and craters that we have to that we have to fill.

But if if we do it too fast at the wrong temperature, we'll have to go hit it again within a week or two.

So we want to make sure that it lasts.

Uh, but I I promise uh Passagan.

The mayor's on us every day.

He asked me for the list of the roads that we're doing.

Uh, and there is a handful of roads that we're doing.

Obviously, we have to go from some of the worst ones uh to the lesser roads, and we're we're doing that daily.

Thank you.

Weather weather permitting, of course.

Thank you, sir.

Any other questions on 16 through 26?

Seeing none at this time.

Is there a motion to accept number 16?

Number 16 only.

Is there a motion to accept?

Motion second, motion and second on 16.

Councilman Monk, yes, councilwoman mellow, yes, councilman mayor, yes, councilman Garcia.

Uh Councilman Colombon Tanez, yes, and Council President Shear.

Yes, thank you.

On 17 only, is there a motion please to accept 17 only?

Second, motion and second on 17 only.

Councilman Monk, yes, councilwoman mellow, yes, councilman mayor, yes, councilman Garcia, thank Councilwoman Colombon Tanez, yes, and Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

On 26 only is there a motion, please to accept motion, second, please.

Second motion and second on 26.

Councilman Monk, yes, councilwoman Mellow, yes, councilman mayor, yes, councilman Garcia, yes, councilman Colombon Tan.

Thank and council president shear.

Yes, thank you.

On items 18 through 25 inclusive.

Is there a motion, please to accept?

18 to 25.

Motion and second roll call.

Councilman Monk, yes, councilwoman mellow, yes.

Councilman Mayer, yes, councilman Garcia, yes, councilman Colombanias, yes, and council president shear.

Yes, thank you.

We're up to remember number nine on our agenda ordinances for introduction and first reading.

Number 27, proposed ordinance amending the designation of restricted parking for disabled persons by New Jersey license plate number.

Is there a motion to accept for sit down for second final reading at our meeting of April 14th?

Move it.

Motion second roll call, please.

Councilman Monk, yes, Councilwoman Mellow, yes.

Councilman Mayor, yes, councilman Garcia, yes, councilman Colomb Tanes.

Yes, and Council President Shar.

Yes, payment of bills.

Please, are there any questions on the bills as presented by the clerk?

Seeing no lines, is there a motion, please to accept it?

Second motion and second roll call, please.

Councilman Monk, yes, councilwoman mellow, yes.

Councilman Mayor, yes, councilman Garcia, yes.

Councilman Colombon Tenez, yes, Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

Uh administrators report, Mr.

Fernandez.

Uh yes, Council President.

Uh, just as a reminder, we have our annual uh community development block grants, uh budget that's being prepared, and we're requesting as we normally do for an ad hoc committee so that we can discuss the budget to be presented to this council at our April council meeting.

Uh I believe Councilman Mello, Councilman Mayer, and Councilman Love have graciously agreed to serve as that committee on behalf of CDBJ.

Thank you, Mr.

Fernandez.

Mr.

Mayor, sir.

City business directory.

Yes.

You see my scene to have all of the businesses in the city of the city and how better orders uh first year doing this.

And all of the work that went into it with our business administrator.

The city clerk reminded me to put the microphone on for the recording of the meeting.

But uh each of you have received the city of Passake Business Directory.

This is the first year ever that we created.

It has a list of all of our recorded businesses in alphabetical order.

I had directed the creation of this for the benefit of our community and for the council members, and obviously to highlight all of the wonderful businesses in the city of Passake.

Again, this is the first one.

I would thank our business administrator in his capacity, leading our uh our UEZ, and thank uh Lizeth, who is uh working very hard every day in making sure that all of the information is accurate, and we're excited about this brand new initiative that we look to recreate every single year and update them with new businesses talking about the businesses.

Uh we have uh recently had a new business opening, uh ice cream shop known around the nation.

It's called Vita's Ice Cream.

It had um it had a very small, modest grand opening of uh six million people.

No, it was uh packed.

There were a lot of people.

There were probably more people there than at the world classic um game.

It was huge, and uh, we're very excited about that new edition.

I believe there's gonna be an official grand opening coming up on uh Friday.

And uh I'll have that confirmed for the city council.

I also want to remind you that our our calendar is out, honoring our 250th anniversary with historic pictures and reminding everyone of the monuments around the city uh regarding obviously the uh revolutionary war.

So we're very excited as this year once again we were able to secure our fireworks on the 4th of July, and we will be having uh a very special 250th anniversary, so we're gonna make sure that all of the council members have this information and the uh reports there.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Council members of the council.

I just want on behalf of all of us uh uh join with the mayor um in thanking our two councilwomen um for the time and effort that they invested into the uh celebration tonight.

I think it was well accepted by all and and really a really great time to uh to stand together.

That being the case, if there's no other business before this council tonight, is there a motion to adjourn, please?

Move it, motion motion and second to adjourn.

Roll call to adjourn.

Councilman Monk Councilman Monk Councilwoman Mellow, yes, councilman mayor, yes, councilman Garcia, yes, councilman Colom Montañez, yes, and Council President Sheer.

Yes, thank you.

This meeting is adjourned.

Thank you very much.