Passaic City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026
Passaic City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026
Note: The transcript identifies the meeting date as April 23, 2026, but per instructions the meeting is dated May 4, 2026. This discrepancy is noted.
The meeting opened with public comments addressing veterans' banners, the historian committee, missing street banners, 250th anniversary plans, and concerns about a new business (Rita's ice cream) at the train station. Council then approved routine items, introduced two ordinances related to roadway moratorium and infrastructure funding, and adjourned.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Speaker on Veterans' Banners & Historian Committee: A resident (Mr. Condescente) asked about VFW/DAV/American Legion banners on Summer Street, the status of the historian committee, deteriorating/missing veterans' banners on poles, and plans for the 250th anniversary July 4th celebration. Mayor responded that the VFW, DAV, and American Legion are autonomous; the historian committee was formed for the 150th anniversary and continues planning for the 250th with potential reenactments; banners are ordered in bulk and families may donate new banners; the 250th plans include fireworks and participation in the national Victory Town program.
- Marva Wade (79 Barry Place): Asked who owns the property next to the train station building (housing Rita's ice cream) and whether there are plans to alter the property (specifically landscaping or expansion). Business Administrator confirmed NJ Transit owns and leases to Rita's; no plans to expand the structure; landscaping concerns will be raised with NJ Transit.
- Mr. Wade (husband): Expressed concerns that Rita's ice cream has caused traffic congestion, litter, double parking, and sewer backups. Alleged that funds intended for sewer improvements were diverted to the business. Mayor responded that the business is legal, underwent extensive vetting by NJ Transit and city departments; infrastructure improvements (sewer and stormwater) are part of a $6 million project funded by a $5 million DCA Resilient Communities Grant (RCG), with no funds diverted. Mayor noted the business owner proactively addressed traffic and that increased lighting and surveillance at the station have reduced homeless encampments and helped thwart a crime investigation.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance #21 (Street Excavation Moratorium): Proposed ordinance amending city code to establish a five-year roadway moratorium and enhanced restoration requirements for recently improved roadways. Introduced and set for second reading on May 5, 2026. Approved unanimously.
- Ordinance #22 (Infrastructure Appropriation): Proposed ordinance appropriating $6,600,000 ($1,600,000 city funds and $5,000,000 state DCA grant) for roads, sewer, and park improvements, including drainage improvements. Introduced and set for second reading on May 5, 2026. Approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar (Items 1-4 and 5-13): Approved unanimously by roll call vote (all council members present voted yes).
- Resolutions (Items 15-20): Approved unanimously.
- Ordinances #21 and #22: Introduced and set for second and final reading on May 5, 2026; both passed unanimously.
- Payment of Bills: Approved unanimously.
- Adjournment: Motion passed with Councilwoman Colombo Danez voting no; all others yes.
Mayor's Report
- Mayor highlighted the success of Bring Your Child to Work Day and congratulated winners of the school board election.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. On behalf of the governing body of the city of Passake, we welcome you to the April 23rd, 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 17th, 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 April 16, 2026, public notice and zoom instructions for this meeting were posted on the City of Passate website at WW City of Pistate.com council agendas. Instructions are also also available on the last page of this agenda. Please be guided accordingly. Councilman Mayer. Present. Councilman Garcia. Present Councilwoman Colom Montanez. And Councilman Love. Present. May we all rise for pleasure. Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. Sorry. All right. Thank you. Let's bow our heads. Blessed are your Lord King of the universe, creator of heaven and earth. We give you thanks for this day. We thank you that you have allowed us to get here safely. We ask that you guide us as we attempt to do the business of the city in a way that honors you and serves the best interests of all residents. We thank you, and we present this meeting in your name. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Under God, individual liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Oh, I'm sorry. In accordance with the open public act, the council goes um opens every public meeting for comments of the public. However, in accordance with NJSA 10 colon 4-12, nothing in this act shall be constructed to limit the direction. I'm sorry, discretion of the public body to permit, prohibit or regulate the active participation in any meeting. Therefore, please be advised that the council will not entertain any contacts from the persons who communicate obscene materials, make statements which are considered bias, intimidation, in which a person intends to intimidate any individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, or makes comments intending to harass or speak any offensive language. The person who makes these statements will relinquish their allotted five minutes for public discussion. Madam Clerk, um citizens, correct? Yes. We will now entertain all the hearing of the citizens. All right. So my question is the VFW is a chapter, and that came from Paulison Avenue. So what is the chapter on the VFW on 135 Summer Street? And also, what is the post on the American Legion? Because as of right now, it's not even registered. And you have American Legion symbol. It doesn't exist. So is it in the works? Or what do you know doing with these two new ones?
openpublica.com