City Council

City of Passaic New Jersey Passaic City Council July 1, 2021 Minutes REORGANIZATION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED AS A LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK ON THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021 AT 7:05 P.M. Amada D. Curling, City Clerk read the following notice into record: IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 231 PUBLIC LAWS OF 1975, ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED TO THE HERALD NEWS AND PUBLISHED ON JUNE 20, 2021; SAID NOTICE WAS PLACED ON THE CITY OF PASSAIC WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYOFPASSAIC.COM (COUNCIL AGENDAS) PLEASE BE FURTHER ADVISED DUE TO COVID-19 THIS MEETING WILL BE VIRTUAL STREAMED. PUBLIC NOTICE AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS MEETING WAS PUBLISHED IN THE HERALD NEWS AND POSTED ON JUNE 16, 2021 ON THE CITY OF PASSAIC WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYOFPASSAIC.COM UNDER COUNCIL AGENDAS. INSTRUCTIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE LAST PAGE OF THIS AGENDA. PLEASE BE GUIDED ACCORDINGLY. ON CALL OF THE ROLL THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS RESPONDED: ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) AYES: Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Munk Patel ALSO PRESENT: Hector C. Lora, Mayor; Ricardo Fernandez, Business Administrator; Christian Hibinski, Esq., City Attorney Invocation was rendered by Council Member Thania Melo, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council Member Munk joined at 7:11 p.m. At this point in the meeting, The City Clerk read the Statement of Determination of the Municipal Election held on May 11, 2021. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO Amada D. Curling, City Clerk administered the oath of office to Mayor Hector C. Lora OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO COUNCIL MEMBERS ELECT The following City Council Members were administered their oath of office by Amada D. Curling, City Clerk: Passaic City Council July 1, 2021 Minutes REORGANIZATTION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED AS A LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK JOSE “JOE” GARCIA DR. TERRENCE L. LOVE DANIEL J. SCHWARTZ Dr. Terrence L. Love took oath of office. He thanked citizens and city of Passaic. This is his fourth successful election and community members who came out to vote because of their concern for Passaic. He thanked his family and running mates for believing in him and supporting him. He also thanked all individuals who put their names on the ballot. Jose “Joe” Garcia took oath of office. Thanks voters of Passaic for believing in him, his colleagues, and the mayor, who makes our job so easy. Wants to continue to help make Passaic better. Daniel J. Schwartz took oath of office. This is his seventh term, he thanked the citizens, the mayor for his incredible throughout the election, and his teammates for their cohesive teamwork. He is excited for what the council will do for the next 4 years. NOMINATIONS AND SEATING OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT NOMINATIONS FOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Melo the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 21-07-161 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR A ONE YEAR TERM TO COMMENCE ON JULY 1, 2021 TO JUNE 30, 2022 BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City Council designates Councilperson Schaer as the City Council President for a one (1) year term, said term to commence on July 1, 2021 and to terminate on June 30, 2022. ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) Page 2 of 9 Passaic City Council July 1, 2021 Minutes REORGANIZATTION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED AS A LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK AYES: Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Patel Mayor Lora’s statement • He congratulated Council President Gary Schaer on his reappointment; his wisdom mentorship means a great deal to him, to his colleagues. He is excited for the future. He also congratulates running mates Terrence Love, Daniel Schwartz and Joe Garcia. • He acknowledged Council Member Love for his support of youth sports and small businesses Passaic. • He thanked Council Member Schwartz on his constant fight for the taxpayers, his scrutiny and pragmatic approach to government, and his genuine love for the citizens of Passaic. • He thanked the city staff inside City Hall, including City Clerk Amada Curling and Chris Post in IT, the Passaic Police Department. • He thanked his wife and family. Followed by comments from the City Council. HEARING OF CITIZENS Council President Schaer opened the public portion of the Meeting with the following statement for the record: In Accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq.). The Council opens every public meeting for comments of the public. However, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 “nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the discretion of a public body to permit, prohibit or regulate the active participation at any meeting,” Therefore, the City Council will not entertain any comments from persons who communicate obscene material, make statements which are considered bias intimidation in which any person attempts to intimidate any individual or group because of race, color, religion, handicap, sexual orientation or ethnicity or makes personally offensive or abusive, defamatory or profane comments, comments intending to harass or speak any offensive or abusive language. The person who makes these statements will relinquish their allotted five minutes for public discussion. Aryeh Mack, 187 Howard Ave • He congratulated everyone on their reappointments and the improvements they have made for Passaic. Page 3 of 9 Passaic City Council July 1, 2021 Minutes REORGANIZATTION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED AS A LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK • Howard Avenue recycling did not get picked up. • He contacted the Business Administrator about 145 Main and 129 Main for littering issues. After ample opportunity given and no one else responding on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the public portion of the meeting was adjourned. ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) AYES: Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Patel ANNUAL RESOLUTIONS On a motion by Council Member Garcia and seconded by Council Member Melo the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO._21-07-162 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS FOR THE YEAR JULY 1, 2021 TO JUNE 30, 2022 BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City Council hereby designates the North Jersey Herald News; The Record; El Especial/Especialito; Poder Latino USA as Official Newspapers for the City of Passaic, which newspapers are authorized to publish legal advertisements. The City Clerk shall retain the right to select which newspapers shall receive said advertisements in accordance with the law. ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) AYES: Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Patel Page 4 of 9 Passaic City Council July 1, 2021 Minutes REORGANIZATTION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED AS A LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK On a motion by Council President Schaer and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO._21-07-163 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC FOR A ONE YEAR TERM (JULY 1, 2021-JUNE 30, 2022) BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic hereby designates Council Member Schwartz as the City Council’s representative to the Planning Board of the City of Passaic for a one (1) year term, said to commence on July 1, 2021 and to terminate on June 30, 2022. ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) AYES: Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Patel On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO._21-07-164 RESOLUTION APPOINTING COMMISSIONERS TO THE PASSAIC REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (JULY 1, 2021-JUNE 30, 2022) WHEREAS, THE City Council of the City of Passaic has, by Ordinance 1515-01 created the Passaic Redevelopment Agency in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A: 12 (a) – 11; and, Page 5 of 9 Passaic City Council July 1, 2021 Minutes REORGANIZATTION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED AS A LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK WHEREAS, there shall be seven commissioners of the Redevelopment Agency, which shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council consistent with N.J.S.A. 40A; 12(a)-11; and, WHEREAS, the Mayor has appointed Council Member Munk for a term commencing July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the Council Consents to the appointments of Council Member for a term commencing July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) AYES: Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Patel COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS: On a motion by Council Member Schwartz and seconded by Council Member Love the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs, 330 Passaic Street, submitting the following applications • To hold a T-Ball/Pony Baseball Ceremony on June 26, 2021 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Benson Avenue Ball Field • To hold a Summer Concert Series on July 1st through September 2nd, 2021 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at Bobby Thomas Memorial Stage-Christopher Columbus Park, Carlos B. Sinnung State- Third Ward park, and Dundee Island Park (CONTINGENT UPON DEPARTMENTAL APPROVALS) • To hold a Summer Concert Series on July 6 through August 31st, 2021 from 7:45pm to 10:30pm at 122 Eight Street, Christopher Columbus Park, Passaic City Hall Courtyard, Third Ward Park, Dundee Island Park, and Factory 220(CONTINGENT UPON DEPARTMENTAL APPROVALS) Page 6 of 9 Passaic City Council July 1, 2021 Minutes REORGANIZATTION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED AS A LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK Passaic City Hall, 330 Passaic Street, submitting application to hold a Juneteenth Celebration & Fireworks on June 19, 2021 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at the Passaic City Hall Courtyard ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) AYES: Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Patel ALL MATTERS LISTED HEREUNDER ARE CONSIDERED ROUTINE IN NATURE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION ANY COUNCIL MEMBER MAY REQUEST THAT AN ITEM BE REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Mayor Hector C. Lora, submitting the following memorandums of appointments: • Memorandum reappointing Chaim Munk to the Redevelopment Agency term to commence July 1, 2021 and expire June 30, 2022. • Memorandum swearing-in Probationary Firefighters on Wednesday, July 7th at Eastside Firehouse ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) AYES: Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Patel RESOLUTIONS: THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS TAKEN OFF THE AGENDA RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PASSAIC ON PASSAIC ON JULY 1, 2021 AT 7:00 PM OR ANYTIME THEREAFTER TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION, CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS Page 7 of 9 Passaic City Council July 1, 2021 Minutes REORGANIZATTION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED AS A LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE VOTED ON BY ONE MOTION On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO._21-07-165 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF SPRAY PAD EQUIPMENT FOR CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS PARK PASSAIC, NEW JERSEY WHEREAS, the City of Passaic, wishes to purchase Spray Pad Equipment for Christopher Columbus Park from Commercial Recreation Specialists (Vortex Manufacturer) covered under NJ State Contract #06 Fleet 00131; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12 authorizes the purchase of any materials, supplies or equipment under State Contract and Cooperative Purchasing entered on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury without the necessity for public bidding; and WHEREAS, the splash pad equipment is priced at $40,196.20. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that a contract be awarded under NJ State Contract #06 Fleet 00131 to Commercial Recreation Specialists (Vortex Manufacturer) of Verona, WI in the amount of $ 40,196.20. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a contract for the above on a form approved by the City Attorney. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Green Acres Account #0-01-44-905-000-9PK. Page 8 of 9 Passaic City Council July 1, 2021 Minutes REORGANIZATTION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED AS A LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) AYES: Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Patel MAYOR’S REPORT Through the leadership of the city council, the removal of the railroad tracks is progressing. The merging of Pulaski Park and Dundee Island will be presented the city council at the next meeting. Passaic budget included removal of lead pipes. This is now required by NJ state law, the recognition goes to Council President Schaer for his work on the legislation in his role as Assemblyman. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. ROLL CALL (VIA ZOOM) AYES: Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer ABSENT: Patel ATTEST: APPROVED: Amada D. Curling, Gary S. Schaer, City Clerk Council President Page 9 of 9