City Council

City of Passaic New Jersey Passaic City Council April 18, 2024 Minutes PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL STREAMED VIA ZOOM ON THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M. WEATHERLY FRIAS, MUNICIPAL CLERK, READ THE FOLLOWING NOTICE INTO RECORD: GOOD EVENING, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WE WELCOME YOU TO THE APRIL 18, 2024 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 13, 2023, SETTING FORTH THE SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR THE YEAR 2023-2024; SAID NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED AND POSTED ON THE CITY HALL BULLETIN BOARD BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK PLEASE BE FURTHER ADVISED THIS PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON. THE ZOOM STREAM PROVIDED IS FOR VIEWING ONLY AND IS OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC AS A CONVENIENCE. ON APRIL 03, 2024 PUBLIC NOTICE AND ZOOM INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS MEETING WERE PUBLISHED IN THE HERALD NEWS AND POSTED ON THE CITY OF PASSAIC WEBSITE AT: WWW.CITYOFPASSAIC.COM (COUNCIL AGENDAS) INSTRUCTIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE LAST PAGE OF THIS AGENDA. PLEASE BE GUIDED ACCORDINGLY. ON CALL OF THE ROLL THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS RESPONDED: ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT ABSENT X X X X X ALSO PRESENT: Hector C. Lora, Mayor; Ricardo Fernandez, Business Administrator; Susie Burns, City Attorney Invocation was rendered by Council Member Melo followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. MAYOR’S UPDATE Mayor Hector C. Lora provided updates on key city initiatives and events. On April 19, the city hosted a Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Fire Safety Seminar for over 70 senior citizens, led by the Passaic Fire Department, emphasizing fire prevention and response. On April 13, the free rabies vaccination clinic at Armory Memorial Park served 130 dogs and 60 cats, including pets of veterans. The same day, the Latino Veterans Association of New Jersey held a dedication for Puerto Rican veterans. Also on April 13, the Autism Awareness Event, organized with the Youth Council and Recreation Department, had 50 participating organizations offering resources for families, including the Passaic Police Autism Division, Special Needs Program, Alzheimer’s Registry Group, and Circle of Care. The Housing Rehabilitation Program is now open, offering up to $20,000 per unit for homeowners needing repairs. A tenant rental rehab program is also available for landlords renting to low-to-moderate-income families for five years. Governor Phil Murphy announced $5 million in funding for local flood hazard mitigation at the New Jersey Transit underpass on Passaic Avenue, supporting stormwater management improvements. Additionally, Congressman Bill Pascrell secured $1.6 million for the McDonald Brook and Benson Avenue flood control project, enhancing infrastructure to reduce flooding. The Columbia and Jefferson Avenue parking lot, adding 23 new spaces, will open on April 23, contributing to the city's continued expansion of parking. In the past 30 days, DPW has repaired 72 potholes across multiple streets, part of a city-wide resurfacing effort. The NJDOT 2023 Local Aid and Safe Streets to Transit grant awarded $1.4 million for ADA-compliant sidewalks and upgraded traffic signals at key intersections. The UEZ camera surveillance system has secured funding for 13 new cameras in the business district and additional license plate readers at city entry and exit points, enhancing public safety. Upcoming events include a COVID-19 and flu vaccination event on April 16, an asphalt art event on April 20, and a Mobile MVC unit at City Hall on April 23 offering services such as Real ID and registration renewal. A Passport Clinic will be held on April 27, and the annual Cinco de Mayo civic ceremony is set for May 5. The mayor celebrated the success of the student poll worker initiative and congratulated the re-elected Board of Page 2 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Education members, including President Daniel Rodriguez, Vice President Judith Sanchez, and Commissioner Rand Van Rensselaer. He also announced the hiring of the city's first autistic student employee, marking progress in developing employment programs for adults with disabilities. The city is in discussions with state and federal agencies to expand job training programs for individuals with different abilities. The mayor concluded by thanking city officials, departments, and community organizations for their continued commitment to improving the quality of life in Passaic. 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. Councilman Love stepped away from the dais @7:36 p.m. Joe Conoscenti • ABC Board and Planning Board only meet via Zoom, not in person. • 147-149 Broadway has excessive garbage, structural issues, and a collapsing roof that need addressing. • Irving Place has illegal parking issues, with cars blocking sidewalks and emergency access. • 208 Passaic Avenue demolition site lacks proper fencing, posing a safety hazard. Page 3 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC • Armory Memorial Park monument appears neglected and in poor condition, needs cleaning and maintenance. • Questioned the redevelopment plan for 206, 212, and 216 President Street, asking if neighboring properties were included. Councilman Love returned to the dais @7:39 p.m. After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Munk and seconded by Council Member Love the public portion of the meeting was adjourned. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING (HEARING IS REQUIRED) Council President Schaer called up for the second and final reading Ordinance entitled: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2441-24 ORDINANCE ADOPTING A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR BLOCK 4099 LOTS 21, 24, & 26 (206, 212, 216 PRESIDENT STREET) IN THE CITY OF PASSAIC, NEW JERSEY Council Member Love moved a public hearing to be held on Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member Colon- Montanez, So Ordered. The Council President then announced that all interested parties would be given an opportunity to be heard for or against the adoption of the Ordinance. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Page 4 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Joe Conoscenti • Is the Building next door 218- 219 is it part of the project? • what is happening to property and what are the Violations? After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Schwartz and seconded by Council Member Garcia the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council Member Colon-Montanez moved the ordinance be adopted on second reading and final passage which motion was seconded by Council Member Melo and adopted upon a call of the roll. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2445-24 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 289 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC ENTITLED “TREES AND SHRUBBERY” Council Member Colon-Montanez moved a public hearing to be held on Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member Munk, So Ordered. The Council President then announced that all interested parties would be given an opportunity to be heard for or against the adoption of the Ordinance. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Page 5 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Joe Conoscenti • Are homeowners responsible for curbside trees? After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council Member Love moved the ordinance be adopted on second reading and final passage which motion was seconded by Council Member Melo and adopted upon a call of the roll. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X NAY COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS: On a motion by Council Member Melo and seconded by Council Member Schwartz the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted • City of Passaic Recreation., 330 Passaic Street, submitting an application to hold an Autism Awareness Event, at the Indoor Recreation Facility located at 390 Paulison Ave, on April 13, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00p.m. • City Green Inc., 171 Grove Street, Clifton, NJ, submitting an application to hold a Mobile Farm Stand, in front of 330 Passaic Street (Sidewalk) every Friday, from June 07, 2024, through November 15, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) • United Passaic Organization, 1 Howe Avenue, Suite 301, submitting an application to hold a Youth Summer Page 6 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Festival, at 52 Aspen Place on June 07, 2024, from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X On a motion by Council Member Garcia and seconded by Council Member Melo the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted • Vincent Capuana School #15, 374 Broadway, submitting an application to hold a Field Day at Pulaski Park on May 29, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) • Passaic Arts & Science Charter School, 40 Tulip Street, submitting an application to hold a School Field Day at Christopher Columbus Park on May 30, 2024, from 9:00a.m. To 1:00p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSTAIN X X X ABSTAIN X 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 Melo the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Page 7 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC State of NJ Department of Environmental Protection, submitting the following: • Withdrawal Letter: WFD IP-Commercial/Industrial/ Public (Waterward) FHA Individual Permit-Other Verification – Method 1 (DEP Delineation) File and Activity No.: 1607-23-0002.1 LUP230001 Applicant: Passaic County [c/o Jonathan Pera] RTP Environmental Associates, INC. 239 U.S. Highway 22 East, Green Brook NJ , submitting the following: • Correspondence amending and supplementing the Response Action Outcome dated May 30, 2023: Remedial Action Type: Restricted Use with Permit Requirements Scope of Remediation: ISRA Industrial Establishment as defined according to N.J.A.C 7:26B – Leasehold – Case Name: Sunbrite Dye Company, Inc. – Block: 1029, Lot 13 PSEG, submitting the following: • Notice of their April 11, 2024 public Hearing Re: For Approval of Changes in its Electric Conservation Incentive Program (2024 Electric CIP Rate Filing) • Notice of their April 11, 2024 public Hearing Re: For Approval of Changes in its Electric Green Programs Recovery Charge and its Gas Green Programs Recovery Charge • Notice of their April 11, 2024 public Hearing Re: For Approval of Incremental Covid-19 Cost for Recovery Through a New Special- Purpose Clause, and for Authorization to Recover Uncollectible Cost for Gas through the Societal Benefits Charge) Passaic Valley Water Commission, submitting the following: • Notice of their April 24, 2024 meeting • Notice rescheduling their May 22, 2024 meeting to May 23, 2024 • Minutes of their February 28, 2024 meeting State of NJ Board of Public Utilities, submitting the following: • Correspondence Re: In the matter of the application for Renewal of a System-Wide Cable Television Page 8 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Franchise for Cable Television Franchise for Cablevision of Oakland, LLC : System-Wide Cable Television Franchise Renewal Millennium Strategies submitting their monthly report as of April 02, 2024 North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, submitting the following: • Minutes of their February 28, 2024 meeting. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X RESOLUTIONS: THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS TAKEN OFF THE AGENDA RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PASSAIC ON PASSAIC ON APRIL 18, 2024, AT 7:00 PM OR ANYTIME THEREAFTER TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION, CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE VOTED ON BY ONE MOTION On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez the following RESOLUTIONS WERE OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-090 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH SAL ELECTRIC FOR ELECTRICAL SERVICES TIME & MATERIAL WHEREAS, the City of Passaic wishes to enter into a contract with Sal Electric of Jersey City, NJ for Electrical Services Time & Material offered under the Bergen County Cooperative Contract #BC-22-19; and Page 9 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11 authorizes the purchase of any materials, supplies, or equipment under the Cooperative Pricing System entered on behalf of the City and Property in the Department of the Treasury without the necessity for public bidding; and WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of Doris Dudek, the Director of Purchasing that the contract for Electrical Services Time and Material offered under Bergen County Cooperative Contract #BC-22-19 be awarded to Sal Electric as follows: Standard Hourly Rates Premium Hourly Rates Journeyman $94.46/hr. Journeyman $141.69/hr. Foreman 110.52$/hr. Foreman $165.78/hr. WHEREAS, the contract has been extended by Bergen County Cooperative Pricing System Contract #BC-22-19 for an additional two (2) year period from May 15, 2023, through May 14, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00/annually. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that a contract be awarded to Sal Electric of Jersey City, NJ for an additional two (2) year period from May 15, 2023, through May 14, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00/annually. 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 Building and Grounds Contractual Account #4-01-26-310-000-029. Funds for the subsequent budget year CY 2025 are available, providing that the budget is approved by the governing body. Page 10 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-091 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS RESULTING FROM TAX COURT JUDGMENT WHEREAS, the Tax Court of New Jersey based on a settlement judgment entered on 2/28/2024 for Block: 1321.01 Lot: 11 & 12, also known as 167 Marietta Ave & 260 Park Ave, Passaic, NJ, property owners: Congregation Zichron Shlomo. The judgments entered for to tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023 reduced the assessments on the properties for all tax years; WHEREAS, the above-mentioned property, based on same judgments entered from the Tax Court of New Jersey, the credits resulting from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 judgments will be refunded for the following amounts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the Chief Financial Officer, be and is hereby authorized to make the following refund(s) as provided by the judgment attached hereto and for the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly; TAX BLOCK/LOT PROPERTY OWNER YEAR REFUNDS CREDITS 1321.01/11 167 Marietta Ave Congregation Zichron Shlomo 2021 $259.44 $0.00 1321.01/12 260 Park Ave Congregation Zichron Shlomo 2021 $12,201.20 $0.00 1321.01/11 167 Marietta Ave Congregation Zichron Shlomo 2022 $268.00 $0.00 1321.01/12 260 Park Ave Congregation Zichron Shlomo 2022 $13,574.58 $0.00 1321.01/11 167 Marietta Ave Congregation Zichron Shlomo 2023 $276.28 $0.00 1321.01/12 260 Park Ave Congregation Zichron Shlomo 2023 $13,993.98 $0.00 Applied to 4 QTR 2023 $0.00 Total Refund $40,573.47 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-092 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS RESULTING FROM TAX COURT JUDGMENT Page 11 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the Tax Court of New Jersey based on a settlement judgment entered on 2/28/2024 for Block: 1324 Lots: 3 & 6, also known as 35 & 39 Brook Ave, Passaic, NJ, property owners: Congregation E Yehoshua Inc.. The judgments entered for to tax years 2022, and 2023 reduced the assessments on the properties for all tax years; WHEREAS, the above-mentioned property, based on same judgments entered from the Tax Court of New Jersey, the credits resulting from the 2022, and 2023 judgments will be refunded for the following amounts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the Chief Financial Officer, be and is hereby authorized to make the following refund(s) as provided by the judgment attached hereto and for the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly; TAX BLOCK/LOT PROPERTY OWNER YEAR REFUNDS CREDITS 1324/3 39 Brook Ave Congregation E Yehoshua Inc. 2022 $17,478.00 1324/6 35 Brook Ave Congregation E Yehoshua Inc. 2022 $5,042.32 1324/3 39 Brook Ave Congregation E Yehoshua Inc. 2023 $18,018.00 1324/6 35 Brook Ave Congregation E Yehoshua Inc. 2023 $5,201.20 Applied to 4 QTR 2023 $0.00 Total Refund $45,742.52 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-093 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS RESULTING FROM TAX COURT JUDGMENT WHEREAS, the Tax Court of New Jersey based on a settlement judgment entered on 2/27/2024 for Block: 2148 Lot: 8, also known as 623 Main Avenue, Passaic, NJ, property owners: Passaic Medical Plaza, LLC. The judgments entered for tax years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 reduced the assessments on the properties for all tax years; Page 12 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the above-mentioned property, based on same judgments entered from the Tax Court of New Jersey, the credits resulting from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 judgments will be refunded and the credits resulting from 2023 judgment will be applied to the 4th quarter 2023 for the following amounts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the Chief Financial Officer, be and is hereby authorized to make the following refund(s) as provided by the judgment attached hereto and for the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly; BLOCK/LOT PROPERTY OWNER TAX REFUNDS CREDITS YEAR 2148/8 623 Main Avenue Passaic Medical Plaza 2020 $9,327.50 $0.00 2148/8 623 Main Avenue Passaic Medical Plaza 2021 $28,200.00 $0.00 2148/8 623 Main Avenue Passaic Medical Plaza 2022 $38,840.00 $0.00 2148/8 623 Main Avenue Passaic Medical Plaza 2023 $0.00 $66,066.00 Applied to 4 QTR 2023 $66,066.00 Total Refund $76,367.50 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-094 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS WHEREAS, the tax office received a duplicate tax payment from Grace M. Barretto for property known as Block 3278 Lot 1.8 Qual. C0017, also known as 465-481 Van Houten Ave, owner: Grace M. Barretto; WHEREAS, Grace M. Barretto, the property owner requested a refund of the amount paid in duplicate to be issued directly back to them. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to make the following refund(s) and for the Tax Collector to adjust his records accordingly. Page 13 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC BLOCK/LOT PROPERTY Name & Address YEAR AMOUNT 3278/1.8/C0017 465-481 Van Houten Ave Barretto, Grace M. 2024 $1,469.47 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-095 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELATION AND REFUND OF TAXES FOR A 100% DISABLED VETERAN WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30 and N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.32 a veteran who has been determined to be totally disabled shall be allowed to be exempt from property taxes; WHEREAS, the below mentioned taxpayers/veterans have been made tax exempt by the Assessor effective February 21, 2024 and a refund is due them; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the Chief Financial Officer, be and is hereby authorized to make the following refund and for the Tax Collector to cancel the below taxes and adjust her records accordingly; Block/Lot Owner / Property Cancel Refund Tax Year 3281/18 Javier Jalil/16 $3,811.81 $952.95 2024 Mineral Springs Ave Total Refund $952.95 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-096 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS RESULTING FROM TAX COURT JUDGMENT Page 14 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the Tax Court of New Jersey based on a settlement judgment entered on 2/28/2024 for Block: 3313 Lot: 7, also known as 371 Brook Ave, Passaic, NJ, property owners: Congregation Eitz Chaim of Passaic. The judgments entered for to tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023 reduced the assessments on the properties for all tax years; WHEREAS, the above-mentioned property, based on same judgments entered from the Tax Court of New Jersey, the credits resulting from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 judgments will be refunded for the following amounts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the Chief Financial Officer, be and is hereby authorized to make the following refund(s) as provided by the judgment attached hereto and for the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly; BLOCK/LOT PROPERTY OWNER TAX REFUNDS CREDITS YEAR 3313/7 371 Brook Ave Congregation Eitz Chaim 2021 $19,664.80 $0.00 3313/7 371 Brook Ave Congregation Eitz Chaim 2022 $20,313.32 $0.00 3313/7 371 Brook Ave Congregation Eitz Chaim 2023 $20,940.92 $0.00 Applied to 4 QTR 2023 $0.00 Total Refund $60,919.04 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-097 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS RESULTING FROM TAX COURT JUDGMENT WHEREAS, the Tax Court of New Jersey based on a settlement judgment entered on 2/28/2024 for Block: 4123 Lot: 45, also known as 196 Madison Street, Passaic, NJ, property owners: Madison St Assoc LLC. The judgments entered for to tax years 2022 and 2023 reduced the assessments on the properties for all tax years; WHEREAS, the above-mentioned property, based on same judgments entered from the Tax Court of New Jersey, the Page 15 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC credits resulting from the 2022, and 2023 judgments will be refunded for the following amounts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the Chief Financial Officer, be and is hereby authorized to make the following refund(s) as provided by the judgment attached hereto and for the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly; BLOCK/LOT PROPERTY OWNER TAX REFUNDS CREDITS YEAR 4123/45 196 Madison St Madison St Assoc LLC 2022 $5,002.59 $0.00 4123/45 196 Madison St Madison St Assoc LLC 2023 $5,157.15 $ 0.00 Applied to 4 QTR 2023 0.00 Total Refund $10,159.74 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-098 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS WHEREAS, the tax office received a duplicate tax payment from CoreLogic Tax Services for properties listed; WHEREAS, CoreLogic, the servicing company requested a refund of the amount paid in duplicate to be issued directly back to them. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to make the following refund(s) and for the Tax Collector to adjust his records accordingly. BLOCK/LOT PROPERTY OWNER NAME YEAR AMOUNT 1084/30 32 Ann St Meadows Realty LLC 2024 $2,673.67 2185/27 466 Harrison St 468 Harrison St LLC 2024 $13,112.99 2188/15 240 Burgess Pl Teresa Crique 2024 $1,978.98 3218/7 394 Lafayette Ave Donnarumma & Imbimbo 2024 $4,226.23 4098/103 208 Lexington Ave Horacio & Luisa Carrera 2024 $2,792.79 4103.01/ 80-86 Summer St Francia Reyes 2024 $1,705.71 1.2/C0021 Page 16 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 4117/10 160 Quincy St Juan Leger 2024 $3,183.18 Total Refund $29,673.55 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-099 AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF DUPLICATE TAX SALE CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 99 OF PUBLIC LAWS OF 1997 WHEREAS, the Tax Collector of the City of Passaic has previously issued tax sale certificate No. 22-00092 to Pro Cap 8, LLC, which certificate is dated December 20, 2022 covering the following premise as set on the city tax map: BLOCK LOT PROPERTY LOC. CERTIFICATE NO. 3248 40 208 Randolph Street 22-00092 WHEREAS, the purchaser of the aforesaid tax sale certificates has indicated to the Tax Collector that they have lost or otherwise misplaced the original tax sale certificate; and have duly filed the appropriate affidavit of loss with the Tax Collector, a copy of which is attached hereto. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, in the County of Passaic that the Tax Collector is hereby authorized upon receipt of the appropriately executed and notarized Loss Affidavit and the payment fee of $100.00 per certificate, to issue appropriate duplicate tax sale certificate to the purchaser covering the lost certificate as previously described, all in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 99 of Public Laws of 1997. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution and Loss Affidavit be attached to the duplicate certificate to be issued to said purchaser and that duplicate certificate shall be stamped or otherwise have imprinted upon it the word “Duplicate” as required by law. Page 17 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-100 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STRENGTHENING LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH CAPACITY 2025 PROGRAM APPLICATION WHEREAS, the City of Passaic has learned of the availability of funding from the New Jersey Department of Health Strengthening Local Public Health Capacity; and WHEREAS, said grant requires no matching contributions from the City of Passaic; and WHEREAS, the City of Passaic wishes to submit an application for this grant. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Passaic that the City of Passaic is hereby authorized to submit a grant application to the New Jersey Department of Health Strengthening Local Public Capacity Program. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Passaic, Mayor, and City Clerk are hereby authorized to take all necessary actions to file this application and to accept grant funds from the New Jersey Department of Health Strengthening Local Public Health Capacity Program. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-04-101 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OF PASSAIC TO ENTER INTO 2024 SUMMER YOUTH WORKSITE AGREEMENT WITH PASSAIC COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER Page 18 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the Passaic County Workforce Development Center (“PCWDC”) is operating the 2024 Workforce Investment Act (“WIA”) summer youth program designed to provide basic skills, remediation, vocational exploration and education opportunities for eligible Passaic County youth ages sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24); and WHEREAS, the City of Passaic wishes to enter into the attached Work Site Agreement with the PCWDC governing the City’s participation in the 2024 summer youth program; and WHEREAS, the City of Passaic and PCWDC mutually agree to be subject to the terms and conditions of the Work Site Agreement attached hereto; and WHEREAS, the attached Work Site Agreement shall be valid from July 08, 2024 through August 23, 2024. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City of Passaic is hereby authorized to enter into the attached Work Site Agreement for the Passaic County Workforce Development Center’s 2024 summer youth program; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, City Clerk, and Personnel Office are hereby authorized and directed to undertake any and all other necessary actions to effectuate the City’s participation in this program. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO._24-04-102 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PASSAIC TO APPLY AND ACCEPT AN AWARD FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE, FOR THE SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM FY2024 Page 19 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the City of Passaic Police Department wishes to submit and subsequently accept an application to the State of New Jersey, Department of Law and Public Safety, in the amount of $67,725.00 under the Safe and Secure Communities Grant Program, Grant No. 24-100-066-1020-232, with match-fringe benefits for a total project cost of $423,183.94 and; WHEREAS, through the Program, the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety supports municipal police departments in their efforts to add law enforcement personnel based on the needs of the community; and WHEREAS, in order to maintain eligible status, the City of Passaic must pay all fringe benefit costs associated with personnel hired, as well as costs in excess of the grant application, and agree that it will not reduce its baseline regular complement of police offices and other law enforcement personnel (as of December 31, 1993, or as reported in the 1993 UCR); and WHEREAS, the allocation of funding is formular based for the Subaward Period of January 22, 2024 to January 21, 2025; and WHEREAS, the City of Passaic Police Department wishes to apply for and accept the maximum grant award being allotted through this Program. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council for the City of Passaic that the City of Passaic Police Department is hereby authorized to submit an application to the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Safe and Secure Communities Grant Program subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the grant guidance attached hereto and thereafter accept all awarded funds; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, City Clerk, and Police Department are hereby authorized and directed to execute any and all documents and/or undertake any and Page 20 of 29  Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC all such actions necessary to effectuate the purpose of this Resolution. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING Council President Schaer read said Ordinance by title: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO _2446-24 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DESIGNATION OF RESTRICTED PARKING FOR DISABLED PERSONS BY NJ LICENSE PLATE NUMBER WHEREAS the total number of Handicapped Parking Spaces Restricted by New Jersey License Plate Number as per last ordinance was 396 Handicapped Parking Spaces. WHEREAS the total number of Handicapped Parking Spaces Restricted by New Jersey License Plate Number as per this ordinance is 401 Handicapped Parking Spaces. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Passaic and State of New Jersey that Chapter 295 ARTICLE XII Schedule XV shall be amended as follows: SECTION 1 295-32.2.Ord. Handicapped Parking Spaces Restricted by New Jersey License Plate Number shall be amended by the deletion of the following: DELETION: NAME OF STREET SIDE LOCATION PLATE # Page 21 of 29  Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 181 Howe Avenue South Beginning at a point 98 UW79NP feet west of the westerly curbline of Paulison Avenue and extending to a point 22 feet westerly therefrom 286 Paulison East Beginning at a point 74 Y90RVB Avenue feet south of the southerly curbline of Broadway and extending to a point 24 feet southerly therefrom SECTION 2 295-32.2.Ord. Handicapped Parking Spaces Restricted by New Jersey License Plate Number shall be amended by the addition of the following: ADDITION: NAME OF STREET SIDE LOCATION PLATE # 373 Lafayette West Beginning at a point 91 C78SEJ Avenue feet north of the northerly curbline of Howe Avenue and extending to a point 22 feet northerly therefrom 389 Madison South Beginning at a point 138 E63SWA Street feet east of the easterly curbline of Paulison Avenue and extending to a point 22 feet easterly therefrom 195 Marietta West (Falstron Court) 8722HG Avenue Beginning at a point 66 feet south of the southerly curbline of Marietta Avenue and Page 22 of 29  Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC extending to a point 22 feet southerly therefrom 286 Paulison East Beginning at a point 74 9373HK Avenue feet south of the southerly curbline of Broadway and extending to a point 24 feet southerly therefrom 57 Richard East (Across of Street) K46RCU Street Beginning at a point 9 feet south of the southerly curbline of Terry Street and extending to a point 22 feet southerly therefrom 90 Summer Street North Beginning at a point 275 K66GZN feet east of the easterly curbline of Main Avenue and extending to a point 22 feet easterly therefrom 57 Washington South Beginning at a point 82 AYR30J Place feet west of the westerly curbline of Hope Avenue and extending to a point 22 feet westerly therefrom Council Member Colon-Montanez moved the Ordinance be approved on first reading. Motion was seconded by Council Member Melo the public hearing be held on May 7, 2024. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Page 23 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Council President Schaer read said Ordinance by title: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2447-24_ ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 259, "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS," OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS FOR KEEPING SIDEWALKS ADJACENT TO HANDICAPPED PARKING AREAS CLEAR WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Passaic has requested the enactment of an ordinance to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities by maintaining clear and unobstructed sidewalks adjacent to designated handicapped parking areas; and WHEREAS, in response to the Mayor's directive, this ordinance has been drafted to amend Chapter 259, "Streets and Sidewalks," of the City of Passaic Municipal Code to include requirements for keeping sidewalks adjacent to handicapped parking areas clear; and WHEREAS, the City Council deems it in the best interest of the public to adopt this ordinance to promote accessibility and safety for all residents and visitors of the City of Passaic. NOW THEREFORE, IT IS ORDAINED that the City Council of the City of Passaic hereby accepts the ordinance amendment below and as attached for Chapter 259, "Streets and Sidewalks,", new Article V titled “Handicapped Accessible Sidewalks” for first reading. SECTION 1 Chapter 259, "Streets and Sidewalks," of the City of Passaic Municipal Code is hereby amended to include a new Article V, "Handicapped Accessible Sidewalks," to read as follows: Article V Handicapped Accessible Sidewalks Page 24 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC § 259-27. Clear Sidewalks Adjacent to Handicapped Parking Spaces 1. Requirement: All sidewalks adjacent to designated handicapped parking areas must remain clear and unobstructed at all times to ensure accessibility of ingress and egress for individuals with disabilities from vehicles. 2. Signage: The language "Keep Sidewalk Clear" or similar shall be incorporated on all existing and future handicapped parking signs to enforce this requirement. 3. Violations: The general penalty provisions of the Code of the City of Passaic shall govern violations of this chapter. SECTION II If any section or provision of this ordinance shall be invalid in any court the same shall not affect the other sections or provisions of this ordinance except so far as the section or provision so declared invalid shall be inseparable from the remainder or any portion thereof. SECTION III All ordinances or parts of ordinances to inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. SECTION IV This ordinance shall take effect upon publication as provided by law. Council Member Love moved the Ordinance be approved on first reading. Motion was seconded by Council Member Garcia the public hearing be held on May 7, 2024. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Page 25 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Council President Schaer read said Ordinance by title: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. _2448-24 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SHORT-TERM TAX EXEMPTION FOR PROPERTY IDENITIFIED ON THE OFFICIAL TAX MAP OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC AS BLOCK 3220, LOT 27 (437 PAULISON AVENUE) PASSAIC, NEW JERSEY WHEREAS, PASSAIC HOME REALTY LLC (the "Entity") proposes to construct a redevelopment/rehabilitation project (the "Project") within the City of Passaic ( "City"), on the site located at Block 3220, Lot 27 on the Official Tax Map of City of Passaic and commonly known as 436 Paulison Avenue, Passaic, New Jersey (the "Project Site"); and WHEREAS, by Ordinance #2303-21 adopted by the City Council on June 22, 2021 the City Council accepted the recommendation of the Planning Board and the proposed Redevelopment/Rehabilitation Plan for the Project Site was approved; WHEREAS, the City desires to provide for real estate tax incentives for redevelopment/rehabilitation of the Project Site; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:21-l et seq. provides for the exemption of assessment for five (5) years following completion of a project as defined in the statute and the exemption or abatement of property taxes for new construction for a five-year period following completion of the project as defined in the statue; and WHEREAS, the Entity has submitted the attached Application for a Five-Year Ta Abatement pursuant to Page 26 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC N.J.S.A. 40A:21-1 et. seq., and seeks a 20% phase-in of taxes otherwise due over five years WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the Project represents a, undertaking permitted by N.J.S.A. 40A:21-l, et seq., and has further determined that the Project is an improvement made for the purposes of clearance, replanning development, or redevelopment/rehabilitation of an area in need of redevelopment/rehabilitation within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the Project would not be constructed without a tax emption. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC that the recitals set forth above are incorporated as if set forth fully herein; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Entity be granted the exemption described above and in the agreement attached hereto in accordance with applicable law and regulations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor, Clerk, and Tax Assessor are hereby authorized and directed to execute all necessary documents with the Entity regarding said tax exemption, copies of which shall be kept on file in the Office of the City Clerk; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Project shall conform with all Federal and State law and ordinances and regulations of the City relating to its construction and use; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any section of provision of this Ordinance shall be invalid in any court the same shall not affect the other sections or provisions of this Ordinance except so far as the section or provision so declared invalid shall be inseparable from the remainder or any portion thereof. Page 27 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Council Member Love moved the Ordinance be approved on first reading. Motion was seconded by Council Member Melo the public hearing be held on May 7, 2024. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X PAYMENT OF BILLS On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Melo, the PAYMENT OF BILLS was accepted and approved. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X MAYOR’S REPORT • Over the last month Passaic has celebrated – Holi, a festival celebrated by Hindis, Ramadan observed by Muslims, and the Jewish holiday of Passover. • He thanked the council for its support. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, on a motion by Council Member Colon-Montanez and seconded by Council Member Melo the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Page 28 of 29 Passaic City Council Minutes: April 18, 2024 Approved: September 16, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC ATTEST: APPROVED: Weatherly Frias, Gary S. Schaer, Municipal Clerk Council President Page 29 of 29