Public Meetings - Passaic, New Jersey

The Passaic City Council held a regular meeting on October 23, 2026, beginning at approximately 4:00 PM. The meeting included public comments, ordinances for second reading, consent agenda items, resolutions, introduction of a new ordinance, a rent leveling appeal, bill approvals, and a detailed mayor's report covering transportation, infrastructure, and community initiatives. All votes were unanimous unless noted otherwise. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during the public comment period. A motion to close public comments was approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Items 3–7 and 8–12 (routine communications and consent items) were approved without discussion by unanimous roll-call votes. - Resolutions 15–37 (excluding Resolution 31) were approved as a block. Key resolutions discussed individually included: - Resolution 25: Awarding a contract for the 2025 Safe Streets to Transit program for improvements at the Saik and Brook Avenue intersection (new traffic signal, full-depth roadway repair, ADA ramps, striping) and at Monroe and Hoover intersection (rectangular rapid flashing beacons, bus stop surfacing, restriping, signs). Discussion addressed county versus city jurisdiction; the city funds all work and informs the county as needed. - Resolution 36: Awarding a contract to On-Site Inspection Agency for elevator inspections (90% fee to vendor, 10% to city). The city's construction code official explained this is a new arrangement due to a reduced number of state-authorized inspectors; the 90/10 split is higher than past contracts but necessary because of limited competition. No additional fees are charged for emergencies. - Resolution 15: Authorizing the purchase of a shuttle bus using UEZ funds to own rather than rent the vehicle. The mayor stated the city intends to purchase two more shuttles, enabling expansion of the free city shuttle service to weekends and early/late hours. The current rented service runs entirely within Passaic and carries an average of 700 to 1,400 riders weekly (including about 110 students from Wall Street). Councilman Monk requested a cost-effectiveness analysis; the mayor agreed to provide data at the next meeting. - Resolution 31: Voted separately due to a question. Approved 6-0 with Councilman Mayer abstaining. Ordinance for Final Reading - Ordinance 2539-26 (Vehicle Parking Schedules): Amending Chapter 295, Article 12, Section 20.2 regarding parking. Opened for public hearing; no public comment. Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 2540-26 (Prescriptive Parking for Disabled Persons): Opened for public hearing; no public comment. Adopted unanimously. Ordinance for Introduction & First Reading - Ordinance 38 (Fire Hydrant Obstruction): Amends city code to prohibit obstruction of fire hydrants and authorize uniformed firefighters to act as parking enforcement officers. Set down for second reading and final adoption at the November 5, 2026 meeting. Unanimous approval. Discussion Items: Rent Leveling Appeal - Item 9 (Golia Property Management LLC): Landlord of 949 Main Avenue, Apartment 6, appealed a rent leveling board decision. The city clerk noted the appeal was filed 22 days after the decision, exceeding the 20-day calendar-day deadline set by ordinance. The council rejected the appeal by motion and vote (unanimous). No alternative was considered. Mayor's Report & Other Items - Shuttle Service Expansion: The mayor reported that the free shuttle service has been extremely well-received, especially by seniors and students after the closure of the high school. The city aims to own shuttles to reduce reliance on UEZ funding and allow flexible operation. - Other Transportation Options: The city offers a low-cost ride-share program (under $2 per trip), paratransit for seniors, recreation vans for special-needs children, and free UEZ bicycles (about 10 rentals daily across six stations). The mayor highlighted safety benefits for individuals with autism. - Fire Hydrant Enforcement: Firefighters will soon be empowered to write fines for vehicles blocking fire hydrants. - Health Planning Grant: A $20,000 grant was received to create a planning health committee, with community input to be incorporated into the city's master plan. - Community Events: Fall festival drew over 1,000 attendees; first roller-skating movie night at Third Ward Park was successful; vendors pay the city for mechanical rides, funding free food and activities. - Infrastructure: Two new speed feedback signs ordered for Parker Avenue; ADA curb cuts being installed on Monroe and Madison Streets; ground-breaking for Dundee Island Pedestrian Bridge on October 27; temporary speed humps considered for safe routes to school. - Elections: Early voting begins October 24 at City Hall. - Police & Safety: Recent hit-and-run incidents; police worked with residents and cameras. Increased crossing guards now empowered to write tickets for obstruction violations. - Councilman Love: Requested crosswalk repainting at Broadway and Mount Prospect; mayor responded that curb cuts are needed first and will investigate. - Resolution 37: Approved a $20,000 grant for a planning health committee. Key Outcomes - Ordinances 2539-26 and 2540-26 adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 38 set for final adoption on November 5, 2026. - Resolution 36 (Elevator Inspections) approved; city will receive 10% of inspection fees. - Resolution 15 (Shuttle Purchase) approved; city will purchase its own shuttle with UEZ funds. - Rent leveling appeal rejected due to late filing (unanimous). - Consent resolutions (items 15–37, except 31) approved unanimously. - Mayor committed to providing cost-per-ride data for the shuttle by the next meeting.

Note: The transcript opening states the meeting date as October 6, 2026, and some announced dates align with that date; the timestamp supplied for this summary is 2026-10-20 17:45:36+00:00, and that date is used here. No agenda or minutes were available, so this summary is based solely on the raw transcript. The Passaic City Council met in person, with a view-only Zoom stream, and all six members were present: Council President Cher and Councilmembers Monk, Mello, Mayer, Garcia, and Colom Montanez. The council approved prior minutes, heard no public comment, adopted a camping/encampment ordinance, approved routine communications and resolutions including $1.1 million in HOME funds for an affordable housing project, and received Mayor's announcements. Consent Calendar - Minutes of May 19, 2026 were approved unanimously. - Communications items 2–5, 7–9, and item 6 were accepted through separate unanimous roll-call votes. - Routine agenda items 10–18 were accepted unanimously, and item 19 was approved separately and unanimously. - The payment-of-bills list was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - The council president read rules limiting public comment to five minutes and prohibiting bias intimidation or offensive language. - No members of the public addressed the council. Discussion Items - Camping and Encampments Ordinance 2537-26 (second and final reading): This ordinance amends Chapter 207, Peace and Good Order, to add Article 3, Camping and Encampments on Public Property, and coordinates enforcement with Chapter 179 (Littering), Chapter 203 (Parks and Playgrounds), and Chapter 259 (Streets and Sidewalks). The Mayor explained that the ordinance requires a permit for tents on public property to avoid blocking pedestrian and emergency access and to address health and safety hazards such as unauthorized fires and encampments near rivers; it does not restrict tents on private property or permitted park events. In response to council questions, city officials stated that police and code enforcement can remove an obstruction immediately in an emergency, while planned removal of non-abandoned personal property requires a posted notice at least 25 hours before removal and property is photographed and itemized when possible. - HOME-funded Lexington Avenue project (Resolution 30): Councilman Mayer asked about 181–185 Lexington Avenue. The project contains 13 total units, including 5 affordable units, using $1.1 million in federal HOME funds from the city. Officials described the funding as a grant, not a loan, at about $220,000 per affordable unit, with a 20-year deed restriction. The Mayor said the developer previously completed 199 Lexington Avenue, and the city had good results with that project, including timely completion and good cooperation with Community Development Director Joyce Hunt. - Traffic ordinances 31 and 32: The council voted on an ordinance amending Chapter 295, Article 12, Section 20.2 (Schedule of Clergy Parking) and on an ordinance amending restricted parking for disabled persons by New Jersey license plate number. According to the transcript, both motions were for second and final reading at the October 20 meeting and were approved unanimously. - Executive Session Authorization (Resolution 20): The council was informed of a resolution authorizing a closed executive session to discuss pending litigation, contract negotiations, and personnel matters. No open-session discussion of these items occurred; the transcript does not show a separate roll-call vote on this item. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2537-26 was adopted unanimously by all six council members. - Resolutions 21–30, including the $1.1 million HOME fund award for 181–185 Lexington Avenue, were approved unanimously. - Ordinance 31 (clergy parking) and Ordinance 32 (disabled-person parking) advanced on unanimous votes. - The meeting adjourned unanimously after the council recognized Councilman Garcia's birthday. Mayor's Announcements and Reports - The Mayor reported on autism employment initiatives: an autism job fair drew over 200 attendees from New Jersey and New York; participating employers included Netflix, the Perez Group, and Brightstone; the City Clerk presented about election-work opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum; and the Mayor is scheduled to speak at the Atlantic City Autism Conference, which has over 1,500 stakeholders. - The Mayor highlighted the fifth annual community Sukkot event, with over 35 clergy and nonprofit leaders, more than 110 boxes of pizza, participation by Rabbi Eisenman, the Mayor, and Councilman Mayer, and noted that many attendees had never been inside a sukkah. - The Mayor announced upcoming items including the Italian flag raising honoring Tony Fowala for 21 years of public service, a fire safety open house, the fall festival, passport clinics, breast cancer awareness events, a voter registration drive tied to small businesses, and a Medicare/Medicaid insurance information event led by Councilwomen Colom Montanez and Mello. - The Mayor also noted a Facebook Live domestic violence awareness presentation with JBWS.

The meeting on October 16, 2026, began with a prayer service led by Mayor Hector Laura, who called for community unity and prayer for families affected by immigration enforcement and recent tragedies. Following the prayer service, the city council conducted its regular meeting, addressing parking concerns, approving minutes, and passing ordinances. The council also observed moments of silence for recent losses. Prayer Service for the City - Mayor Hector Laura opened the prayer service citing Scripture (Zechariah 4:6, Psalms 9:9) and appealed for prayer for the oppressed, the vulnerable, and law enforcement. He emphasized that the church should not remain silent. - Several clergy prayed in English and Spanish, including Pastor Arthur Soto (Board of Education), who prayed for children affected by arrests, asking for healing and unity. Other pastors prayed for families, businesses, the mayor, and an end to division. - The mayor closed the service with a call to pray for the president, federal agents, and for peace, and announced a follow-up prayer session planned for August. Community Announcements - The mayor promoted National Night Out, a back-to-school event (book bags, ice cream), and reminded residents of the city’s free shuttle and shopping tax incentives. - Condolences were expressed for the two children lost in the river and for the Katerba family. The mayor thanked first responders and the community for their support. Consent Calendar - The council approved minutes from meetings on February 3, February 17, March 5, and March 17, 2026. - Consent items (resolutions and ordinances) covering routine administrative matters were approved in blocks (items 2-10, 11-19, 20, 22-40) without discussion. Votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Douglas Chavez, a resident of 521 Harrison Street, raised concerns about new angled parking lines that reduced spots from an estimated 30-35 to about 20, creating hardship for residents, including a handicapped neighbor whose spot was moved. He requested engineering review. Discussion Items - Parking on Harrison Street: Mayor Laura acknowledged the problem; he explained that painted lines followed code, which reduced informal parking. He confirmed no tickets had been issued and that enforcement would be paused while engineering reviews options, including possibly removing the lines. The handicapped resident’s needs will be prioritized. - Mayor’s Report: Updates included paving on Boulevard, Howe Avenue, and streets near St. Mary’s Hospital; ADA ramp improvements; a $350 million new high school with demolition expected October–December 2026; and security concerns at the old high school building (now under state control). The mayor also recognized National Night Out and community partners. Ordinance - Ordinance 2534-26 (amending disabled parking designations) passed unanimously on second reading after a public hearing with no comments. Key Outcomes - Minutes from four prior meetings approved. - Ordinance 2534-26 adopted. - All consent resolutions and ordinances approved. - Harrison Street parking to be reviewed; enforcement suspended pending resolution. - Council expressed condolences to the families of the children lost and to the Katerba family. - The city committed to continued community events and outreach.

The Passaic City Council held a regular meeting on August 5, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a comprehensive report from the Mayor. Key topics included the ongoing National Night Out event, condolences for recent tragedies, updates on city infrastructure projects, and public concerns about parking changes on Harrison Street. The Council approved a consent calendar of routine items, passed an ordinance designating restricted parking for disabled persons, and appointed a new commissioner to the Housing Authority. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved minutes from the February 17, February 3, March 5, and March 17 meetings (all 2026). - Communications (Items 2–10): Approved unanimously. - Communications (Items 11–19): Approved unanimously. - Communication (Item 20): Voted on separately and approved unanimously. - Resolutions (Items 22–40): Approved unanimously. - Payment of Bills: Approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Douglas Chavez (resident of 521 Harrison Street): Expressed concern that newly painted parking lines on Harrison Street reduced available spaces from approximately 30–35 to about 20, creating difficulties for residents including a handicapped neighbor whose designated spot was moved further away. He requested the city reconsider the layout. The Mayor acknowledged the issue, stating that the angled parking did not suit the street width and that enforcement of the new lines has been suspended while the engineering department explores removing the paint or finding an alternative solution. The Mayor also assured that handicapped parking would be given top priority. Chavez was asked to communicate the update to neighbors. Discussion Items - Mayor’s Report: - Highlighted National Night Out festivities outside City Hall. - Expressed condolences for the recent drowning deaths of two children in the Passaic River and for the passing of Frank Katerba, president of the Passaic Teachers Association. - Announced upcoming events (Book Bag Drive, Movies in the Park, concerts) and temporary relocation due to construction of a new community plaza at City Hall Square. - Reported infrastructure progress: paving on Boulevard, Howe Avenue, and streets around St. Mary’s Hospital; ADA ramp improvements on Broadway and Passaic Avenue; work beginning on the Aspen Spear Village housing redevelopment. - Stated that demolition of the old Passaic High School is scheduled between October and December 2026, funded by a $350 million grant for a new high school, and that security concerns at the vacant building are being addressed with the state. - Parking Concerns (Harrison Street): Expanded discussion on the parking initiative, explaining that the line painting was requested by residents but inadvertently reduced legal spaces. The council confirmed no tickets have been issued and that enforcement is suspended pending a resident-friendly solution. - Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) – Flock Safety: Councilman Love raised concerns from a resident’s letter about data privacy and potential sharing of sensitive information with other agencies. The Mayor responded that the ALPRs are used solely for crime prevention and vehicle theft deterrence, are placed at city entry/exit points, and that data is only shared with law enforcement for specific investigations, in compliance with state Attorney General directives. The council took no further action. - Tree Removal Resolution (Item 23): Councilman Mayor clarified that a $23,000 expenditure for removing three trees on Marietta Avenue, Richard Street, and Albion Street was necessary after recent storms and beyond the capacity of the city’s tree department. - Appointment to Housing Authority: Councilwoman Mellow nominated Diane McNair to the Housing Authority board. The nomination was approved unanimously. The Council President noted that additional seats on the board are open for future appointments. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2534-26 (Second & Final Reading): An ordinance amending the designation of restricted parking for disabled persons by New Jersey license plate number was passed after a public hearing. Vote: unanimous. - Ordinance for Introduction (Item 42): A proposed ordinance amending disabled parking designations was introduced and set down for second and final reading on September 1, 2026. - Appointment: Diane McNair was confirmed as a commissioner of the Passaic Housing Authority (motion by Councilwoman Mellow, unanimous). - Parking Resolution: The City will suspend enforcement of the new Harrison Street parking lines and work with residents and engineers to find an acceptable solution. - Administrative Report: The CFO Omar Garcia reported no items; Mayor noted bus hub replacements, completion of Bragg Park projects, and a new restaurant/bar planned across from City Hall. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting closed with thanks to first responders for their efforts during the recent drowning incident, and a commitment to hold future meetings on river safety.

The Passaic City Council met on July 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Roll call was conducted, minutes were approved, and a series of resolutions, ordinances, and a public hearing were addressed. The meeting included routine approvals, discussion of a grant-funded license plate reader purchase, and a contested appeal of a Rent Leveling Board decision. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from previous meeting (unanimous). - Payment of bills as presented (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received. Discussion Items - Resolutions 17–36: Approved as a block after discussion. Resolution 17 (purchase of automated license plate readers with extended warranty) drew questions from Councilman Monk about warranty cost versus additional cameras. The Deputy Chief and Business Administrator explained the burn grant covered the cost and the warranty protects against damage. The council approved the resolution. Resolutions 24 and 25 prompted discussion on vendor selection criteria, including minority-owned business preferences. All resolutions passed unanimously. - Resolution 37: Approved unanimously. - Resolution 38: Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 39: An ordinance designating restricted parking for disabled persons by license plate number was introduced and set down for final reading on August 4, 2026. - Ordinance 41: A request to postpone a hearing due to attorney hospitalization was granted; the hearing was rescheduled from August 4 to September 1, 2026. - Administrator's Report: None. - Mayor's Report: The Mayor provided updates on street paving, community events (FIFA watch parties, Lucha Libre, park activities), storm response, and thanked emergency services. He also acknowledged challenges faced by residents during recent power outages and heatwaves. - Public Hearing – Rent Leveling Board Appeal: The council heard an appeal by Donovan Henderson regarding a Rent Leveling Board decision on his rent increase. Mr. Henderson argued the Board failed to address retaliation and fraudulent documentation. The landlord's attorney stated no new evidence was presented and the Board's decision should stand. Council members questioned the scope of their authority. After extensive discussion, no action was taken on the appeal; it was left pending. Key Outcomes - Resolutions 17–36, 37, and 38 were approved. - Ordinance 39 was introduced and set for final reading. - Ordinance 41 hearing rescheduled to September 1, 2026. - Payment of bills approved. - The rent leveling board appeal was heard without a decision; the matter remains open.

The Passaic City Council held its reorganization meeting on July 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the city council chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by the mayor, followed by the nomination and unanimous election of Councilman Gary Shear as Council President for a one-year term. The council addressed public comments, annual resolutions, ordinances, and heard from the mayor regarding city events and initiatives. Public Comments & Testimony - Julius Sanchez, Vice President of the Say Board of Education, congratulated Council President Shear on his reappointment, praising his vision and dedication and noting meaningful investment in the city, including new school construction. - Joe Conasenti asked for an update on the city's 250th anniversary plans (beyond the upcoming fireworks) and requested consideration of naming a street or placing a plaque for the former city historian who served for 30 years. The mayor outlined numerous 250th anniversary activities, including banners, recognition as a Victory Town, and a July 4th event with a George Washington reenactor, and encouraged council members to independently pursue a plaque or street naming. - Daniel Silverstein (152 Marietta Avenue) objected to the recent implementation of overnight permit parking on Brook Avenue East, stating that residents were not consulted or warned before signs were installed. He questioned the rationale—suspecting it was to prevent Clifton residents from parking in Passaic—and argued it was an inconvenience with no visible benefit for his block, which is three blocks from the Clifton border. He requested the ordinance be reconsidered or rescinded. Discussion Items - Permit Parking on Brook Avenue East: Business Administrator Rick Fernandez explained that the permit program was enacted after residents complained of non-resident vehicles parking overnight, a problem exacerbated by neighboring municipalities (Clifton, Wallington, Garfield) that have their own permits. He noted that this was the fourth or fifth zone in Passaic, permits are free, and no fines have been issued—only warnings. The mayor stated that the program was in response to resident requests and that a traffic study would be conducted to evaluate the impact. Council members and the mayor discussed the subjectivity of parking needs, the potential for the police to use permits as an additional patrol tool (e.g., deterring car theft), and the possibility of rescinding the ordinance if a majority of affected residents oppose it. The mayor committed to completing a traffic study by the end of July and to providing data on the number of permits issued and parking permits in neighboring Clifton (which charges $10 per two-year permit). Council President Shear noted that summer months may skew study results and emphasized the need for a fair evaluation. Silverstein reiterated that only one or a few residents may have complained, while he and other neighbors see no benefit. The mayor acknowledged the concern and reaffirmed the city's openness to reversing the ordinance if data supports it. Annual Resolutions (Items 2-4) - Resolution Designating Official Newspapers and Public Notice Website (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027): The council approved designating North Jersey Record, El Paisiano, and Bode Latino (by circulation) as official newspapers, along with the city's website, as permitted by new state law. Unanimously approved. - Resolution Appointing Council Representative to Planning Board: Councilwoman Colón-Montañez was reappointed as the council's representative to the Planning Board. Unanimously approved. - Resolution Appointing Commissioner to Passaic Redevelopment Agency: Councilman Monk was appointed as the council's representative (in addition to his appointment by the mayor). Unanimously approved. Ordinances (Second Reading & Final Passage) - Ordinance 2532-26: Amending the designation of restricted parking for disabled persons by New Jersey license plate number. No public comment. Unanimously passed. - Ordinance 2533-26: Granting municipal consent to Pilot Fiber New Jersey LLC to use public streets and highways for installation and maintenance of fiber optic facilities. No public comment. Unanimously passed. Communications & Petitions (Items 7-18) Items 7-17 were accepted unanimously. Item 18 was subject to a separate vote and also accepted unanimously. The mayor expressed appreciation for the appointment of Councilman Monk and former Councilman Daniel Schwartz to the redevelopment agency. Mayor's Report - The mayor congratulated Council President Shear and thanked all appointees for their volunteer service. - He reported on the successful graduation of the Class of 2026 at Passaic High School, with over 800 students graduating. - He highlighted watch parties for the FIFA World Cup, noting that a recent Mexico vs. Ecuador game drew 6,000 people without incident. The city plans to hold a Mexican parade regardless of the World Cup outcome. - Summer camps and concerts in the park have begun, all featuring 250th anniversary decorations. - The July 4th celebration will include a concert, fireworks, and a George Washington reenactor. Key Outcomes - Council President Elected: Gary Shear was unanimously elected Council President for the 2026-2027 term. - Annual Appointments Approved: Council members were reappointed to the Planning Board (Colón-Montañez) and the Passaic Redevelopment Agency (Monk). - Permit Parking Evaluation: The city committed to a traffic study of the Brook Avenue East area by the end of July 2026, with a possibility of rescinding the permit ordinance if a majority of residents oppose it. - Ordinances Passed: Both ordinances (disabled parking amendment and fiber optic facilities consent) were adopted unanimously. - Communications & Petitions: All items (7-18) were accepted unanimously. - Meeting Adjourned: Unanimously approved.

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).

The Passaic City Council held a regular meeting on June 18, 2026. The agenda included public comments on housing policy, several ordinances, resolutions, discussion on the 2026 budget adoption, and reports from the administration. Public Comments & Testimony - Yosef Wolf addressed the council, raising concerns about the lack of for-sale housing in the city compared to rental developments. He questioned whether the council was doing enough to encourage homeownership, specifically referencing a recent planning board meeting where a multifamily project was introduced. He also discussed tax abatements and affordable housing set-asides, noting that 20% set-aside is required for for-sale units and 15% for rentals. He suggested reducing restrictions to encourage more for-sale development. Discussion Items - Council members and administration responded to Mr. Wolf's comments. Business Administrator Fernandez, Mayor, and Council members discussed the balance between market forces, state regulations, and city incentives. They noted that the market dictates development; the city cannot compel developers. They highlighted recent efforts such as down payment assistance programs, first-time home buyer programs, and ordinances allowing townhouses in R1 zones. The mayor emphasized that the city works within state law and available funding. Councilman Monk explained that high land costs in Passaic (e.g., often $250,000 per lot) make townhome development financially unfeasible. Councilman Love commended the first-time home buyer programs. - Ordinance 2527-26: To establish a cap bank to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits. Administration explained it creates a "rainy day fund" allowing up to 3.5% increase (1.5% additional) for future extraordinary expenses, subject to council approval. Public hearing held, no public comments. Ordinance passed on second reading. - Ordinance 2531-26: Designation of restricted parking for disabled persons by license plate. Public hearing held, no comments. Ordinance passed. - 2026 Budget Adoption: The council opened the public hearing on the 2026 budget adoption but deferred final adoption to a future meeting (next meeting on June 16? – date discrepancy noted) pending review by the Division of Local Government Services. - Resolutions 9-17 and 19-24: Approved collectively. Resolution 19 involved extending a recycling contract due to high bids; administration is negotiating with bidders. Resolution 24 related to FIFA World Cup watch parties – the city is organizing community viewing events across different neighborhoods, using UEZ and EDA funding. - Items 25-26: Rent leveling board appeals (one from a tenant, one from a landlord) were scheduled for hearing on July 21, 2026. - Administrator's Report: Fernandez thanked staff for World Cup watch party planning; announced Tennyson Park opening, spray pads opening tomorrow (June 19?), upcoming religious procession on June 14, and a 4th of July celebration with a concert. He also reported that the city's application for the New Jersey African American Historic Trail was accepted, recognizing Reverend Pence, the first African American attorney in Passaic County, with a historic marker to be placed at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. - Mayor's Report: Noted a boil water advisory extended to Passaic due to a water main break; it is ongoing. Also noted the departure of Reverend McKinney to a new position in Texas. Council members asked about tenant complaint procedures – referred to Human Services for repairs, and the Rent Leveling Board for rent disputes. Key Outcomes - Passed Ordinance 2527-26 (cap bank) and Ordinance 2531-26 (disabled parking) on second reading. - Approved consent calendar items (communications 3-7), resolutions 9-16 and 17 separately, and resolutions 19-24. - Deferred 2026 budget adoption to a future meeting. - Scheduled rent leveling board appeals for hearing on July 21, 2026. - Approved payment of bills. - Meeting adjourned.

The Passaic City Council held a regular meeting on May 20, 2026, with all members present. The meeting included public comments, discussion and approval of several ordinances, routine consent items, and resolutions. Major topics included a redevelopment plan for 1 Market Street, a pilot program for Spear Village rehabilitation, and various parking and worker protection ordinances. Public Comments & Testimony - Carl Singer addressed safety concerns on Howard Avenue, citing speeding, a dangerous crosswalk at Spring and Howard, and requested permanent traffic calming measures (signage, rumble strips, electronic speed signs, and a four-way stop). He also raised noise issues from Route 21 and urged the city to pursue noise barriers. Council noted that new pole-mounted speed signs have been ordered and placed in other areas. - Young C. Wolf questioned the planning board's approval process for a 22-unit project on Broadway, alleging that the board granted parking variances without adequate scrutiny. He also expressed concerns about the pilot program for Spear Village, arguing that the 3% payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) is too low and that the city is giving away a valuable asset. He asked the council to negotiate a higher rate and shorter term. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2523-26 (East Side Redevelopment Plan Amendment) – Second and final reading for the 1 Market Street project (over 6 acres, maximum 490 units). Council members discussed parking ratios (minimum 1.5 per two-bedroom unit), unit mix (80% must be two-bedroom or larger), inclusion of 20% affordable and 20% workforce housing, and the importance of minimum unit sizes. Business Administrator Fernandez explained that the plan uses census data, transit access, and state requirements. The ordinance passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2529-26 (Spear Village PILOT) – Second and final reading for a 30-year PILOT agreement with Spear Village Preservation Owner LLC to rehabilitate four buildings (256 units, 100% affordable). Developer John Quartel of Quartel Development Group presented the project: $147 million total cost, with $200,000 per unit in hard costs. The PILOT is set at 3% of gross income, required by HMFA financing. Council members questioned the financial structure, relocation plans, and long-term quality assurance. The mayor and administrator emphasized the holistic vision, including future phases with mixed-income and commercial uses. The ordinance passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2530-26 (Worker Payment Protection) – Amending Chapter 128 to add worker payment protection and anti-coercion provisions. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2528-26 (Restricted Parking for Disabled Persons) – Designation of specific parking spaces. Public comment noted enforcement issues. Passed unanimously. - Consent Calendar – Items 5-10, 11-21, and 22 (various routine ordinances and resolutions) were approved en bloc without separate discussion. - Resolutions 24-31 – Approved with a correction to resolution 30 (dates for housing authority agreements). - Ordinance 32 (Introduction) – Amending restricted parking for disabled persons, set down for second reading on June 4, 2026. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2523-26 passed unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance 2529-26 passed unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance 2528-26 passed unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance 2530-26 passed unanimously (7-0). - Consent items and resolutions approved as amended. - Ordinance 32 introduced for first reading. - Payment of bills approved. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM (end of transcript). Note: The transcript identifies the meeting as May 19, 2026, but the provided timestamp is May 20, 2026. The date from the instruction is used for this summary.