OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Passaic City Council Meeting – June 18, 2026

Council Meetings — Thursday, June 18, 2026
BodyPassaic, New Jersey
SessionCouncil Meetings
DateThursday, June 18, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 56:25

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

Good evening.

0:06

On behalf of the governing body of the city of Passake, we welcome you to the June 16th, 2026 City Council meeting.

0:12

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.

0:27

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

0:32

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

0:35

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

0:40

On June 5th, 2026, public notice and Zoom instructions for this meeting were posted on the City of Passate website at WW City of Pastate.com council agendas.

0:50

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

0:54

Please be guided accordingly.

0:55

Real quote, please counselor love.

0:59

Present.

0:59

Councilwoman Mello, present.

1:01

Councilman Mayor.

1:02

Present.

1:03

Councilman Garcia.

1:04

President.

1:05

Councilman Colom Montañez.

1:07

And Council President Sheer.

1:08

President Sherry, please rise.

1:12

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

1:18

So we'll take place this evil.

1:27

It's a republic for which he says.

1:39

Good evening, members of the council, ladies and gentlemen.

1:42

Thank you for joining with us.

1:44

If you don't have a copy of tonight's agenda, it is available by the entrance to the chambers.

1:50

You can also assess them on uh the internet, where you'll be able to see uh not only the agenda for tonight's meeting, but also all the materials which the council has received from the administration in an effort to be uh most informed and to make the proper and appropriate judgments.

2:08

We are up to room in number four on our on our agenda hearing of citizens.

2:13

In accordance with the open public meetings act, NJSA 10 colon 4-1 its sec.

2:18

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

2:21

However, in accordance with NJSA 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 act of participation in any meeting.

2:34

Therefore, please be advised that the council will not entertain any comments from persons who communicate obscene material, make statements which are considered to buy its intimidation, in which a person attempts to intimidate any individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, or makes comments intending to arrest or speak any offensive language.

2:58

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

3:04

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

3:07

Yes, sir.

3:13

Good evening.

3:14

Um is Anthony Wade, live at 79 Barry Place.

3:22

The reason why I'm here is that um please you guys know you guys obviously you put a reader in the neighborhood.

3:34

Now I hear through the grapevine that you guys have or someone in Passake has some other intentions of putting some other type of commercial business in the area.

3:51

Now, the reason why I think they might be right, is that the last time I was here?

3:59

I told you, my wife told you about seeing a group of men outside looking up, looking around, subway in our area.

4:13

And on top of that, when we when we brought that to your attention, and I asked you to do well, you guys are aware of anything.

4:25

You guys seem to be smiling and saying, Oh, well, not what we know of, not anything that we know of.

4:33

So, what I'm saying is this.

4:37

If you guys have any attendance on anything in this area, you need to do it properly, and you need to notify us to let us know what's going on.

4:51

You need to let people know within 200 feet what's going on, because you didn't do that the last time.

5:00

You didn't notify us.

5:08

So that's all I'm asking.

5:11

Because right now, I've I really feel disrespected as a taxpayer in the city, as a property taxpayer in the city, and I'm not the only one on my block that feels that way.

5:26

And for some reason, you guys think that is okay, and you think that you got away with it before, but it's not going down like that the next time.

5:42

There's been many people that ended up in bad places in government for corruption.

5:51

So I'm just here to basically to put you on notice that I am aware of what's going on.

6:02

Thank you, sir.

6:03

Anyone else wish to address the council?

6:09

Is there a motion to public discussion?

6:12

Move.

6:13

Second motion and second roll call.

6:16

Councilman Lowe.

6:18

Yes.

6:18

Councilwoman Mello?

6:20

Yes.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Public Safety███████████████████19%
Community Engagement██████████████14%
Technology and Innovation█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%
Public Engagement████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis██████6%
Personnel Matters████4%
Fiscal Sustainability███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Passaic City Council Meeting – June 18, 2026

Note: The transcript references June 16, 2026, but the provided meeting date is June 18, 2026. This summary uses the latter date per instructions.

The council convened for a regular meeting, covering public comments, budget adoption, routine approvals, and a detailed mayor's report on recent city initiatives and events. The meeting was characterized by unanimous votes on most items and a notable achievement of a clean audit for the first time in decades.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Anthony Wade (79 Barry Place) expressed concern about potential commercial development near the train station, stating he felt disrespected as a taxpayer and that previous notification procedures for the Riegel project were not followed. He warned of corruption if the city proceeded without proper notice.
  • Mayor and Business Administrator Fernandez responded on the record, stating there are no plans, applications, permits, or conversations for any additional business in that area. They emphasized transparency and invited Mr. Wade to verify through public records.
  • Mr. Wade again challenged the mayor's statement, alleging underhanded procedures with the Riegel project. The council president closed the back-and-forth and moved to the next agenda item.

Discussion Items

  • Budget Adoption (Resolution for FY 2026 Municipal Budget): Public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers. The council unanimously adopted the budget. The mayor and business administrator highlighted that the city received a clean audit (no findings) for the first time in at least 20–30 years, attributing it to the work of the council, administration, and finance department.
  • Zoning Board Minutes (Item 7–12): Councilman Monk questioned the high number of minutes for approval. Business Administrator Fernandez explained that many cases are carried over due to difficulty achieving a supermajority (5 votes) or full board attendance, leading to cancellations and continuances. Councilman Mayor noted that the zoning board is already maxed out at four alternates as allowed by law.
  • Splash Pad Project (Item 18): Councilman Mayor asked about the scale of the new splash pad. The mayor described it as the largest water park in the city, funded by Green Acres, and able to double as a jungle gym in winter.
  • Fiber Optic Ordinance (Item 23): Proposed ordinance granting consent to Pilot Fiber New Jersey LLC to install fiber optic facilities. Councilman Monk raised concerns about past vendors leaving equipment on poles. Business Administrator Fernandez clarified that the company will install wireline fiber optics, mostly above ground on main thoroughfares, with a 50-year term. The mayor added that the project will enhance connectivity and speed for residents and businesses. The ordinance was moved to second reading for July 1.
  • Mayor's Report: The mayor detailed several initiatives:
    • A special mobile motor vehicle event for adults with autism and special needs to obtain Real IDs, coordinated with the assemblyman's office.
    • Six crossing guards were deputized as patrol enforcement officers to issue violations for illegal parking near schools; body cameras are being considered.
    • A diocesan procession with over 2,000 participants was successfully hosted.
    • FIFA officially approved the city as a partner after a watch party kickoff event, allowing official FIFA events.
    • Watch parties for the Knicks championship and summer events were highlighted, including a spontaneous watch party at School 11.
    • Upcoming Fourth of July fireworks, fire academy, and police academy events were announced.

Key Outcomes

  • Unanimous Budget Adoption: All council members voted yes to adopt the FY 2026 municipal budget.
  • Consent Calendar Approvals: Items 1–5 (communications) and 7–12 (routine minutes) were approved unanimously.
  • Reappointment of Municipal Clerk: Weatherly Frias was reappointed as municipal clerk by unanimous vote.
  • Splash Pad Resolution (Item 18): Approved as part of the consent block (items 14–19 and 21) with a unanimous vote.
  • Fiber Optic Ordinance: Moved to second reading and final vote on July 1, 2026, by unanimous vote.
  • Payment of Bills: Approved unanimously.
  • Adjournment: Motion carried unanimously.

No closed executive session was needed.

Vote Tallies: All roll call votes showed 6–0 in favor, with all council members present (Monk, Love, Mello, Mayor, Garcia, Colom-Montañez, and Council President Sheer).

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. On behalf of the governing body of the city of Passake, we welcome you to the June 16th, 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. Send 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 June 5th, 2026, public notice and Zoom instructions for this meeting were posted on the City of Passate website at WW City of Pastate.com council agendas. Instructions are also available on the last page of this agenda. Please be guided accordingly. Real quote, please counselor love. Present. Councilwoman Mello, present. Councilman Mayor. Present. Councilman Garcia. President. Councilman Colom Montañez. And Council President Sheer. President Sherry, please rise. Heavenly Father, we want to thank you, Lord, for allowing us to meet this evening. So we'll take place this evil. It's a republic for which he says. Good evening, members of the council, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining with us. If you don't have a copy of tonight's agenda, it is available by the entrance to the chambers. You can also assess them on uh the internet, where you'll be able to see uh not only the agenda for tonight's meeting, but also all the materials which the council has received from the administration in an effort to be uh most informed and to make the proper and appropriate judgments. We are up to room in number four on our on our agenda hearing of citizens. In accordance with the open public meetings act, NJSA 10 colon 4-1 its sec. The council opens every public meeting for comments of the public. However, in accordance with NJSA 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 act of participation in any meeting. Therefore, please be advised that the council will not entertain any comments from persons who communicate obscene material, make statements which are considered to buy its intimidation, in which a person attempts to intimidate any individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, or makes comments intending to arrest or speak 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? Yes, sir. Good evening. Um is Anthony Wade, live at 79 Barry Place. The reason why I'm here is that um please you guys know you guys obviously you put a reader in the neighborhood. Now I hear through the grapevine that you guys have or someone in Passake has some other intentions of putting some other type of commercial business in the area. Now, the reason why I think they might be right, is that the last time I was here? I told you, my wife told you about seeing a group of men outside looking up, looking around, subway in our area. And on top of that, when we when we brought that to your attention, and I asked you to do well, you guys are aware of anything. You guys seem to be smiling and saying, Oh, well, not what we know of, not anything that we know of. So, what I'm saying is this. If you guys have any attendance on anything in this area, you need to do it properly, and you need to notify us to let us know what's going on. You need to let people know within 200 feet what's going on, because you didn't do that the last time. You didn't notify us. So that's all I'm asking. Because right now, I've I really feel disrespected as a taxpayer in the city, as a property taxpayer in the city, and I'm not the only one on my block that feels that way. And for some reason, you guys think that is okay, and you think that you got away with it before, but it's not going down like that the next time. There's been many people that ended up in bad places in government for corruption.

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