Public Meetings - Passaic, New Jersey

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.

The Passaic City Council met on April 22, 2026 (note: the transcript indicates April 14, but the provided date is April 22). The meeting included approval of minutes, routine communications, resolutions on a traffic safety study, road resurfacing, plaza deck improvements, staff appointments, and introduction of ordinances including a worker protection measure. Consent Calendar - Minutes of August 5 and September 2, 2025, approved. - Communications items 2–11, 12–18, and item 4 separately, approved. - Resolution 20 (closed executive session) approved. - Payment of bills approved. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Resolution 22 – Comprehensive Traffic Safety Plan: Councilman Monk questioned a $434,000 US DOT-funded contract to analyze traffic fatalities. The Business Administrator explained it is a comprehensive action plan to reach zero fatalities, analyzing intersections and roadways. Discussion covered parking near corners; Mayor said enforcement will be reviewed. - Road Resurfacing (Resolutions 23, 27): Councilman Monk asked about the road priority list. The BA stated it is updated annually, with new technology (phone app on DPW trucks) to rate roads. Mayor highlighted DPW Director Alfredo Bayas and increased pothole filling. - Resolution 24 – Plaza Deck Improvements: $1.3 million from NJEDA COVID funds for plaza deck upgrades (pavers, stage, lighting) to improve public space and deter overnight stays. - Resolution 28 – Appointment of Director of Human Services: Marcia Sanabria appointed. Council requested her resume; she was present and described her background (McKinney-Vento program, relocation officer). - Ordinance 41 – East Side Redevelopment Plan: For 1 Market Street, proposing 490 units. Councilman Monk asked about the unit count. - Ordinance 42 – Worker Payment Protection: Mayor explained it prevents employers from withholding pay based on worker status, protecting vulnerable workers. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes; communications items; resolutions 21–39 (including traffic plan, road resurfacing, plaza deck, appointment); payment of bills. - Set for Second Reading on May 5, 2026: Ordinances 40 (disabled parking), 41 (redevelopment plan), 42 (worker protection). - Appointments: Marcia Sanabria as Director of Human Services (approved); Alfredo Bayas as DPW Director (to be formally appointed later); Oris Tyler Jr. as Director of Passaic Alliance (introduced). - Future Actions: Mayor to share resumes of appointees; traffic enforcement near corners to be discussed with police chief; pothole filling and utility coordination ongoing.

The Passaic City Council held a regular meeting on March 18, 2026, beginning with a special ceremony recognizing four women for Women's History Month, followed by the adoption of ordinances, resolutions, and administrative reports. The meeting included discussions on residential parking permits, fishing regulations, affordable housing mandates, a school resource officer contract, and winter storm response. Women's History Month Honorees - The council presented proclamations to four women: Dr. Sandra Montañez Diodonet (Superintendent of Passaic Public Schools), Principal Jennifer Barker (Passaic High School), Dr. Elise Bourne Busby (educator and co-founder of More Than Friends), and Captain Claudia Sophia Aguirre Cruz (first female captain in the Passaic Police Department). Each honoree delivered remarks thanking the city and their families. - Mayor Hector Lora and council members praised the honorees for their leadership, resilience, and contributions to education, community service, and public safety. The mayor also acknowledged the city's youth council, which interviewed the honorees, and recognized several female city employees and appointees. Consent Calendar - Communications Items 5 and 6 were approved unanimously (6-0). - Items 7 through 14 were accepted as routine matters with no questions (6-0). - Resolutions 18 through 25 were voted on as a block (6-0) after separate consideration of Resolution 16 (specific vote) and Resolution 26 (specific vote). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during the hearing of citizens; the public comment period was closed without any speakers. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2518-26 (Residential Parking Permit Zone Expansion): City officials explained the addition of a new zone from Brook Avenue to the Clifton city limits (approximately one block) to alleviate overnight parking overflow from neighboring municipalities. The measure passed 6-0 after public hearing. - Ordinance 2519-26 (Fishing at Hughes Lake): Amends park code to conform with New Jersey Fish and Game law and facilitate participation in the state's spring trout stocking program. Passed 6-0. - Ordinance 2520-26 (Affordable Housing Mandatory Set-Aside): Amends Chapter 317-30 B sub 8 regarding affordable housing requirements. Passed 6-0. - Resolution 26 (School Resource Officer Contract): Authorizes a contract between the city and the Board of Education for 16 full-time police officers and 7 special law enforcement officers for school safety. Councilman Mayor asked about winter storm cleanup and pothole repair; Business Administrator Fernandez confirmed a snow removal plan and a portal for residents are being developed, and DPW is addressing potholes as weather permits. Resolution passed 6-0. - Resolution 25 (Cancellation of Grant Receivables): Approved to zero out grant accounts as part of budget preparation (6-0). - Resolution 20 (Support for Manufacturing License): The city supported a second manufacturing license applicant who had completed all planning board and state requirements. The council noted this would be the second such license issued (6-0). - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Ad Hoc Committee: Business Administrator Fernandez announced the formation of a committee (Councilmembers Mello, Mayor, and Love) to review the CDBG budget for submission at the April council meeting. Key Outcomes - All four ordinances (2518-26, 2519-26, 2520-26, and ordinance 2517-26 for disabled parking) were adopted on second reading by unanimous 6-0 votes. - Resolution 16 (specific item) passed separately 6-0. - Resolution 26 (SRO contract) passed 6-0. - Resolutions 18-25 passed as a block 6-0. - An ordinance for introduction (number 27, disabled parking designation) was set for second reading on April 14, 2026. - Payment of bills was approved 6-0. - The meeting adjourned after a unanimous vote.

The Passaic City Council met on March 7, 2026, at 20:30 UTC to address a range of items including public comments on a property designation, multiple resolutions for road work and service contracts, ordinances for parking permits and fishing regulations, and a detailed mayoral update on parking deck funding, snow removal, and community programs. All votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Joshua Goldman (185 High Street) addressed the council regarding agenda item 26, which designates a parcel at 24 Orchard Street as an area in need of rehabilitation. He questioned whether the 32-unit apartment building, built in the 1980s, was truly a pre-existing non-conforming use or actually an illegal structure, as it may not have conformed to zoning at the time of construction. He argued the city could use other remedies instead of the rehabilitation designation. - Mayor and Business Administrator responded that the building is legally occupied with certificates of occupancy, but it is non-conforming because it does not meet any permitted use under current zoning. They clarified that a pre-existing non-conforming use means it predated the zoning ordinance; if the building was built after the ordinance, it may have received a use variance. The designation simply starts the process, with no commitment to a plan. Discussion Items - Resolutions 16–26 (Road Work, HVAC, and Designation): Councilman Love asked for clarification on alternate bids for road projects (items 20/21). The Business Administrator explained that alternates allow the city to use leftover funds by adding extra streets if base bids come in low. On item 18/19 (HVAC service), Councilman Mayor noted a $45,000 savings over two years from the new vendor, though the resolution initially appeared to show $186,000; it was corrected to $135,000. Councilman Garcia inquired about the process for item 26; the Business Administrator explained it is a resolution to designate an area in need of rehabilitation, not a plan—the next step is developing a redevelopment plan, which would come as an ordinance. The council can refuse that ordinance. All items were approved unanimously. - Ordinance 27 (Disabled Persons Parking): Amends designation of street departments for disabled persons by license plate. Passed for second reading. - Ordinance 28 (Residential Parking Permits): Creates a new residential parking permit zone near Clifton border (from Brook to Terhune). Councilman Mayor asked about criteria; the Business Administrator cited complaints during a snowstorm, but noted that vehicle ownership has increased and neighboring cities have permits. The Mayor added that this is a targeted approach; the city has seen positive feedback from previous zones. Passed for second reading. - Ordinance 29 (Fishing at Hughes Lake): Amends code to allow catch-and-keep of trout in line with New Jersey fishing game law. Councilman Love confirmed hook-and-line only. Passed for second reading. - Ordinance 30 (Affordable Housing Mandatory Set-Aside): Clarifies the language to direct readers to the schedule of regulations for density calculations. The Mayor stated it does not change the policy. Passed for second reading. - Payment of Bills: Approved unanimously. - Mayor’s Report: - Office of New Americans: Held a successful meeting with not-for-profits and faith-based organizations regarding resources for refugees and immigrants. - Expungement Clinic: Scheduled for the upcoming month, led by the assistant solicitor. - Solar Panel Savings Program: Over 330 residents signed up; income-eligible residents can save up to 31% on energy bills. - Phlebotomy Classes: Filled again; the mayor noted state legislation to support training in healthcare fields. - Human Trafficking Prevention: Met with the Attorney General's office to discuss initiatives ahead of FIFA events. The city has been recognized for its efforts. - Parking Deck Funding: The city applied for $15 million federal funding for a 400-space parking deck at Dayton Avenue, received $3 million (the $4 million previously received was taken back by the new federal administration). The mayor explained that the project is a priority due to the school complex's lack of parking; the deck would cost $15 million. Councilman Monk discussed the feasibility of building fewer spaces if funding is limited; the Business Administrator noted that building three to four stories is more cost-effective per space than two. The council will continue to seek additional funding. - Snow Removal: The recent storm cost under $30,000 (compared to $200,000 for a previous storm). A DPW truck fire was caused by a hydraulic lock from overuse; the vehicle fleet is insufficient for another major storm. The city borrowed salt and used contractors. Key Outcomes - All resolutions and ordinances passed unanimously (roll call votes on each group: resolutions 1–5, 6–13, 14, 16–26, and separately on 5A; ordinances 27, 28, 29, 30; payment of bills). - Item 26: Approved as a resolution to designate the parcel as an area in need of rehabilitation, with no commitment to a redevelopment plan at this stage. - Ordinances 27, 28, 29, 30: Set down for second and final reading at the March 17, 2026 meeting. - Parking Deck: The city will continue to apply for additional funding; council members will receive regular updates on grant applications. - Snow Removal: The administration will explore converting streets to one-way during snowstorms and will report back to the council.

The Passaic City Council held a regular meeting on February 19, 2026. The central topic was a proposed redevelopment designation for properties on Orchard Street and West Developed Place, which drew extensive public comment and council deliberation. The council also passed five ordinances and multiple resolutions, including regulations for short-term rentals, a redevelopment plan for 185 Lexington Avenue, fee adjustments, and a property exchange with the Board of Education. Public Comments - Joshua Goldman (185 High Street) opposed the redevelopment designation, arguing it was premature, would waste city funds (up to $60,000 in study costs), and would undermine resident bargaining power. He urged the council to rescind the authorization to the planning board. - Joseph Manuel (177 High Street) stated the properties are not blighted like the former St. Mary's Hospital site, and that the redevelopment route would bypass public notice and input. He requested the council withdraw the recommendation. - Raisel Azar (36 Orchard Street) echoed concerns about costs and premature action, noting that the possibility of eminent domain had not been debated. She asked the council to withdraw the resolution. - Desre Brian (37 Orchard Street) argued that the existing 30-unit building (built 1962) already burdens the infrastructure, and incentivizing more density would worsen the problem. She called the designation misplaced. - Parker Brown (247 Summer Street) expressed concern about the speed of development and lack of transparency, noting that residents feel meetings are tense. He also raised issues about non-functioning traffic signs near schools and dog waste on sidewalks. Discussion Items - Redevelopment Designation (Orchard Street/West Developed Place) – Business Administrator Fernandez explained that the designation is a necessary first step to enter into negotiations with the developer and draft a redevelopment plan. He clarified that the city does not incur costs; the developer funds the study. The designation allows the council to control zoning for the parcels, unlike a standard planning board application. Council members noted that the process provides more community input and that the original proposal (200+ units) exceeded what would likely be negotiated. Mayor and council emphasized that the designation is not a plan but a gateway to discussions. The planning board will review on March 4, 2026, and the council will vote on formal designation on March 5, 2026. - Short-Term Rental Ordinance (2510-26) – Fernandez described this as the third ordinance in the Airbnb regulatory package, permitting short-term rentals only in owner-occupied single-family homes, townhomes, or condos, with 11 conditions. The ordinance passed unanimously. - Redevelopment Plan for 185 Lexington Avenue (2511-26) – Adopted unanimously. - Certificate of Occupancy Fee Increase (2515-26) – Fernandez stated the modest increase (from $50 to $65 for first unit) was the first adjustment in over 20 years, to cover rising costs and weekend inspection services. Passed unanimously. - Property Exchange with Passaic Board of Education (2516-26) – Authorized an exchange of real property. Passed with one abstention (Councilwoman Colom Montañez). - Commemorative Pavers at Latona Griffin Park (Resolution 20) – Authorized sale of pavers to honor two fallen firefighters. Funded by CDBG. Passed unanimously. - Consent Calendar – Items 6–9 and 10–16 (including appointment of retired officer) approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2510-26 (Short-term rentals) – Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2511-26 (Redevelopment plan for 185 Lexington Avenue) – Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2514-26 (Disabled parking) – Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2515-26 (Certificate of occupancy fee increase) – Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2516-26 (Property exchange with Board of Education) – Passed 6–0–1 (Colom Montañez abstained). - Resolutions 18–21 (including commemorative pavers) – Approved unanimously. - Payment of bills – Approved. - Next Steps – The planning board will review the redevelopment designation on March 4, 2026; the council will vote on formal designation on March 5, 2026. The council also acknowledged the beginning of Ramadan, Lent, and Chinese New Year.

The Passaic City Council held its regular meeting, with all members present. Key agenda items included public comments on affordable housing and immigration enforcement, adoption of ordinances regulating short-term rentals and imposing an occupancy tax, and a resolution to initiate a redevelopment study for a contentious property. The mayor also provided an extensive update on snow removal operations and related budgetary constraints. Public Comments & Testimony - Michelle Carpentero (resident): Expressed concerns over ordinance 2513-26 (short-term rental tax) and 2512-26 (rental registration), questioning whether the city was prioritizing revenue over resident support. She also argued that affordable housing units priced using federal numbers would be unaffordable for Passaic residents, citing per capita income of $24,489, 22.9% poverty rate, and average three-bedroom rent of $2,550. She requested transparency regarding city policies on ICE enforcement, noting reports of residents being detained or deported. - Mayor's Response: Stated the city works with law enforcement to ensure due process for all, cooperates with federal agencies only for violent criminals, and does not ask for immigration status when providing services. He highlighted town hall meetings and direct assistance to families, but acknowledged limited ability to impede federal actions. He criticized recent federal enforcement tactics as lacking prior communication. - Yosef Wolf (resident): Criticized city for issuing 77,000 parking tickets while failing to clear snow on sidewalks and intersections, alleging DPW inefficiency and waste. Mayor and Council President defended DPW efforts, noting the storm lasted over two weeks with subfreezing temperatures, and that $65,000 was spent on emergency contractors. The mayor noted FEMA reimbursement thresholds were raised to 21 inches, making this storm ineligible for federal aid. Discussion Items - Short-Term Rental Ordinances (2512-26 and 2513-26): - Ordinance 2512-26 amends Chapter 100 to create a short-term rental registration process, limiting rentals to 90 days per year for owner-occupied units. Councilman Monk raised concerns about occupancy limits and parking impacts. Administration clarified that occupancy is determined by fire codes and egress, and that each rental is a single unit, not per room. The mayor suggested exploring vehicle registration requirements to cap parking. Ordinance 2513-26 imposes a 3% occupancy tax on short-term rentals plus a $250 registration fee. Business Administrator Ricardo Fernandez estimated over 100 existing Airbnb listings in Passaic, with potential registration fees alone exceeding $25,000. - Resolution 31 – Redevelopment Designation: The council voted to refer a property to the Planning Board for a study to determine if it is an area in need of redevelopment. This followed community opposition to a conditional use application. Business Administrator Fernandez explained the multi-step process: designation, redevelopment plan ordinance, and public hearings. Councilman Monk expressed concerns that redevelopment processes can bypass neighborhood notification. Mayor and council committed to exploring better communication methods, such as colored envelopes or direct mail. Councilwoman Mellow noted past complaints despite newspaper and website notices. - Real Property Exchange (Resolution 19): The city and Board of Education will swap parcels to correct boundary lines related to the library and administrative parking. The resolution was approved. Key Outcomes - Ordinances Adopted (2nd Reading): - 2508-26 & 2509-26 (Disabled parking designations) – passed unanimously. - 2512-26 (Short-term rental registration) – passed unanimously. - 2513-26 (Short-term rental occupancy tax) – passed unanimously. - Resolutions Approved: Items 5-8, 11-16, 17, 19-31 all passed as listed, with separate votes on 9-10 and 19. Resolution 31 (redevelopment study referral) passed. - Ordinances Set Down for 2nd Reading (Feb. 17, 2026): - 32 (Disabled parking designation) - 33 (Adjust certificate of occupancy fees) - 34 (Property exchange with Board of Education) - Payment of Bills: Approved. - Next Meeting: February 17, 2026, for second readings of ordinances.

The Passaic City Council met on January 28, 2026, starting with a celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring student performances, a libation ceremony, musical selections, and a keynote sermon by Reverend Baskerville. Following a brief intermission, the council reconvened for the regular business session, which included approval of minutes, public comments, and consideration of several ordinances and resolutions, including new regulations for short-term rental units. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting (unanimous vote). - Approved communications items 2 through 17 en bloc (unanimous vote). - Approved resolutions 19 through 30 en bloc (unanimous vote). Public Comments & Testimony - Evelyn T. Robinson (222 6th Street) praised the MLK program, thanked the council for the free city shuttle (the "Laura Bus"), and noted that the bus stop on Sixth Street and Passaic Street was changed following a request from her. - Minnie Austin (368 Highland Avenue) introduced Reverend Joshua Corbin as the new pastor of Williams Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church (133 Myrtle Avenue) and mentioned the church's plans to restart a food pantry serving over 200 residents, disrupted by COVID-19. - Sherry Greer (77 Brook Avenue, C7) asked about the status of a flyer stating that Access Link transportation for students with disabilities would be free until June 2026. The mayor clarified that the flyer may have been erroneous and that the city would contact the county to resolve the issue; he also noted the shuttle service is free and runs near schools. - Parker Brown Jr. (letter read into the record) expressed concerns that density bonuses in redevelopment ordinances primarily benefit developers and do not immediately lower rents or prevent displacement, urging clearer communication on how affordable units are allocated and whether current residents receive priority. Council President responded that the ordinance in question specifically promoted affordable housing and was based on federal data. Discussion Items - Short-Term Rental Ordinances (34, 35, 36): The council discussed three proposed ordinances to regulate short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) in Passaic. Ordinance 34 permits temporary rentals for up to 90 days per year, but only in the owner’s primary residence. Ordinance 35 requires registration with the city, inspection, and a certificate. Ordinance 36 imposes a 3% occupancy tax on such rentals. Key points included: protection for renters and homeowners, preventing conversion of affordable housing, and preparation for events like the FIFA World Cup. Councilmembers asked about occupancy limits, revenue projections, and enforcement. The ordinances were set down for second reading at the February 3, 2026 meeting (see Key Outcomes). - Rent Leveling Board Attorney Costs: Mr. Fernandez explained that the original contract cost increased from $10,000 to $160,000 because the board became active during 2025 and required additional legal work. He stated that the attorney voluntarily reduced the billing significantly from the original invoice. Council President asked about the board eventually paying for itself through penalties on landlords. Key Outcomes - Approvals: Minutes of July 15, 2025; communications items 2–17; resolutions 19–30; and reappointment of Harold Hess and Dinay Rhodes to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (resolution 31) were all approved unanimously. - Ordinances Set Down for Second Reading: - Resolution 32 (disabled parking) – second reading set for February 3, 2026. - Ordinance 33 (redevelopment plan for 185 Lexington Avenue) – second reading set for February 17, 2026. - Ordinance 34 (short-term rental zoning) – second reading set for February 17, 2026. - Ordinance 35 (short-term rental registration) – second reading set for February 3, 2026. - Ordinance 36 (occupancy tax on short-term rentals) – second reading set for February 3, 2026. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned unanimously after the business portion.

The Passaic City Council met on January 9, 2026, to consider ordinances, resolutions, and budget updates. Key actions included passage of two ordinances, approval of consent items, and detailed discussions on the city's fiscal challenges, particularly rising health benefit costs. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Items 3 through 12 were approved unanimously, including routine communications and approvals. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak; the public comment period was closed without testimony. Discussion Items - Ordinance 25-07-44 – Affordable Housing Mandatory Set‑Aside Amendment: The Business Administrator explained that the amendment clarifies rounding of fractional affordable housing units: fractions greater than 0.5 round up to an additional unit. The ordinance was adopted unanimously. - Rent Leveling Board Update (Item 16): Councilman Mayer inquired about board caseload and decision trends. The Business Administrator reported the board is handling a high volume of cases effectively, with decisions favoring both tenants and landlords depending on documentation. Discussion also covered rent control exemptions, state statute interactions, and the city’s gap-year provisions. The board continues to function as intended. - Budget and Fiscal Outlook (Resolution items 23‑35): The Business Administrator provided an extensive update. Key points: - The city faces an approximately $8 million deficit in health benefit costs alone, with a 35% annual increase (compounded from 24% and 30% in prior years). - All municipal unions except the police voted down a proposed health plan change; negotiations with police and fire unions are ongoing. - Reserves (surplus) are being drawn down; regeneration is limited by tight budgets. - Added assessments from new developments and improvements are offsetting some tax increases, but the overall budget remains under pressure. - A state health benefits plan exit was explored but deemed cost‑prohibitive due to self‑insurance funding requirements for the first year. - Resolution 24 (local aid roadway improvements for Boulevard, Hillsideway, and Howe Avenue) was rejected as over budget; 25 (8th Street) and 26 (Brighton Avenue) were discussed but not voted separately. - Appointment of Compliance Officer (Item 23): A council member asked whether the appointee’s new role would affect her current duties; the Business Administrator confirmed it aligns with her existing work and she has performed well for over 10 years. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 25‑25 (amending restricted parking for disabled persons) – adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 25‑07‑44 (affordable housing set‑aside rounding) – adopted unanimously. - Consent Calendar (Items 3‑12) – approved unanimously. - Items 13 through 21 (boards and committees) – approved unanimously after discussion. - Resolutions 23 through 35 – approved unanimously (excluding Resolution 22 for closed executive session). - Ordinance 36 (first reading of parking amendment) – set for second reading on February 3, 2026. - Bills – approved as presented. - Announcement: Council recognized Commissioner Christina Schratz’s swearing‑in at the county level, a historic first for Passaic as both the first woman and first Dominican American from the city to hold that office. - Meeting adjourned unanimously.

Note: The provided date for this summary is January 9, 2026, but the transcript indicates the meeting occurred on December 16, 2025. This discrepancy is noted; the summary below follows the transcript content but uses the given date for the title. The meeting was called to order by Council President Sheer, with a roll call showing all members present (Councilwoman Mello, Councilman Mayer, Councilman Garcia, Councilwoman Colombo Tanez, and Council President Sheer). The meeting included approval of minutes, public comments, unanimous consent on numerous routine items, introduction of three ordinances, payment of bills, and adjournment. Consent Calendar - Minutes of May 20, June 17, and July 1 (of an unspecified year, likely 2025) were approved unanimously by roll call vote. - Communications items 1 through 27 were accepted as routine by unanimous roll call. - Items 28 through 35 and 36 (Board of Education) were approved with separate votes. Item 36 was approved unanimously after a separate roll call. - Item 38 (unidentified) was approved unanimously with a separate vote. - Items 39 through 56 were approved in a block. Councilman Monk requested clarification on item 49, which was described by the administration as a DEP requirement for the former gas works site (PSCNG work). All items passed unanimously. - Payment of bills (agenda number nine) was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Renee Griggs (resident of 23 Aspen Place, Apartment 6C) spoke in support of recent improvements in policing at Spear Village. She reported that on October 31, during a Halloween event, the security coordinator and officers from the new policing order were present, gave out candy, and engaged with residents. She stated this was a positive shift in community policing, adding that officers remain visible and reassuring. She thanked Chief Guzman for his work and wished everyone happy holidays. Discussion Items - Ordinance 57 – Restricted Parking for Disabled Persons: An ordinance amending the designation of restricted parking for disabled persons by license plate number. Set down for second and final hearing on January 8 (date unclear, but motion passed unanimously). - Ordinance 58 – Market Street Redevelopment Plan Amendment: An ordinance to add a parcel (an old, non-conforming mechanic shop off Monroe Street) to the redevelopment plan area. Councilman Monk asked for clarification; the administration explained that the parcel was omitted from the original plan and the owner wants it included for a larger project. The plan itself does not change. Set down for second and final hearing on January 20, 2026. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 59 – Affordable Housing Mandatory Set-Aside: An ordinance amending Chapter 317-30 B sub 8 to change the rounding rule for fractional affordable housing units: fractions of 0.5 or higher will now round up (previously any fraction rounded up). Councilman Monk asked about the need for a planning board consistency review. The city attorney clarified that the change is minor and does not alter the essence of the plan, so the planning board referral step can be omitted. The council voted to accept for first reading and set second reading for the next regular meeting (January, not January 20). Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All three ordinances (57, 58, 59) were introduced on first reading with unanimous votes and set for final hearings on dates in January 2026. - All routine items (minutes, communications, bills) were approved unanimously. - The council and administration exchanged holiday wishes, and Councilman Monk’s family provided donuts as a tradition. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.