City Council

City of Passaic New Jersey Passaic City Council July 2, 2024 Minutes PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL STREAMED VIA ZOOM ON TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M. WEATHERLY FRIAS, MUNICIPAL CLERK, READ THE FOLLOWING NOTICE INTO RECORD: GOOD AFTERNOON, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WE WELCOME YOU TO THE JULY 02, 2024, RE ORGANIZATION 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 18, 2024, SETTING FORTH THE SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR THE YEAR 2024-2025 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 JUNE 20, 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 Technical X X Technical X X X difficulties difficulties COUNCIL MEMBER MUNK WAS PRESENT VIA ZOOM, BUT WAS HAVING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWARTZ WAS PRESENT VIA ZOOM, BUT WAS HAVING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. 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. Passaic City Council Minutes: July 2, 2024 Approved: November 7, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC NOMINATIONS AND SEATING OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT NOMINATIONS FOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT City Clerk Weatherly Frias requested a name for nomination for Council President. Council Member Garcia nominated Councilperson Gary Schaer for the City Council President. After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, 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. 24-07-167 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR A ONE YEAR TERM TO COMMENCE ON JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025 BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City Council designates Councilperson Gary S. Schaer as the City Council President for a one (1) year term, said term to commence on July 1, 2024 and to terminate on June 30, 2025. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Comments were made by Council President Schaer HEARING OF CITIZENS Council President Schaer opened the public portion of the Meeting with the following statement for the record: Page 2 of 9 Passaic City Council Minutes: July 2, 2024 Approved: November 7, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 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. Miroslav • Large trucks from Kaylin Mattress arrive daily, including weekends and holidays, and block 9th Street. • The trucks create traffic difficulties and pose a safety concern for parked cars, school buses, and pedestrians. • Residents have experienced challenges when raising concerns, as truck drivers are not always cooperative. • Police have been called multiple times, but the issue remains unresolved. In some cases, residents' vehicles have been ticketed or towed to clear space for the trucks. • The trucks often travel in the wrong direction on a one-way street, making navigation difficult for other vehicles. • Residents have attempted to contact the traffic division but have found it difficult to reach someone. • Despite previous discussions with authorities, the problem continues, and residents hope for a solution. • Video evidence has been gathered showing the traffic concerns and the impact on the neighborhood. • Residents are requesting assistance in addressing the situation to improve traffic flow and safety. 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. Page 3 of 9 Passaic City Council Minutes: July 2, 2024 Approved: November 7, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X ANNUAL RESOLUTIONS On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-07-168 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS FOR THE YEAR STARTING JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025 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 Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION Page 4 of 9 Passaic City Council Minutes: July 2, 2024 Approved: November 7, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO.24-07-169 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC FOR THE YEAR JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025 BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City Council hereby designates: COUNCIL MEMBER Daniel Schwartz 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, 2024, and to terminate on June 30, 2025. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X On a motion by Council Member Colon-Montanez and seconded by Council Member Love the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO.24-07-170 RESOLUTION APPOINTING COMMISSIONER TO THE PASSAIC REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 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 Minutes: July 2, 2024 Approved: November 7, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 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 Chaim Munk for a term commencing July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the Council Consents to the appointments of Chaim Munk for a term commencing July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS: On a motion by Council Member Colon-Montanez and seconded by Council Member Melo the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Amigos Colombianos de Passaic Inc., P.O. Box 2349, Passaic NJ 07055, submitting an application to hold a Flag Raising on July 13, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on City Hall – Magnus Ellen Square (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Graciella Romero, 34 Vineland Ave, Passaic NJ 07055, submitting an application to hold a Block Party on Vineland Place on July 04, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Retail Sport Marketing, 10150 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262, submitting an application to hold a Promotional Tour Event at Shoprite parking lot (private property)located at 503 Paulison Ave, on July 05, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Page 6 of 9 Passaic City Council Minutes: July 2, 2024 Approved: November 7, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Se llama Peru Corp, 207 Westervelt Pl, Lodi, NJ submitting application to hold the following: • Flag Raising at Magnus Ellen Square on July 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. • Peruvian Cultural Festival at Pulaski Park, on July 14, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Rain date: July 21, 2024) (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Scar Entertainment LLC., 2 Brighton Ave, submitting application to renew their Entertainment License for the year 2024. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X 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 Mayor Hector C. Lora, submitting the following memorandum of appointment: • Memorandum reappointing Chaim Munk to the Redevelopment Agency term to commence July 1, 2024, and expire June 30, 2025. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Page 7 of 9 Passaic City Council Minutes: July 2, 2024 Approved: November 7, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTIONS: THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS TAKEN OFF THE AGENDA RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PASSAIC ON PASSAIC ON JULY 2, 2024, AT 7:00 PM OR ANYTIME THEREAFTER TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION, CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS MAYOR’S REPORT Flags have been installed at Armory Park and Third Ward Memorial Park in celebration of July 4th. A new parking area with 31 spaces has been completed on River Drive and Paulison Avenue, along with a designated food truck area to benefit residents, visitors, and students from the nearby Passaic County Community College satellite site. All 10 licenses for food trucks on Madison Avenue have been issued, and applications for hand trucks at Garibaldi Plaza are being accepted. A bike lane has been added on Main Avenue between Highland Avenue and Summer Street, and parking spaces are being striped to better regulate and maximize parking availability. Third Street has been paved from Monroe to South Street, with upcoming paving projects scheduled for Hoover and Jefferson streets. A town hall meeting for the Passaic River cleanup, focused on enhancing recreational opportunities, is scheduled for July 10th. A family festival with carnival rides will begin on Wednesday at Pulaski Park, with fireworks scheduled for July 4th in the downtown area. A two-day security guard certification training program will take place on July 23rd and 24th, funded through the Community Development Block Grant to help individuals obtain necessary Page 8 of 9 Passaic City Council Minutes: July 2, 2024 Approved: November 7, 2024 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC licenses for employment. Upcoming community events include a book bag drive in August, movies in the park starting July 9th, and summer concerts beginning July 11th. The Council President was reappointed, with recognition for his leadership and commitment to the city. The city's Juneteenth celebration was a success, featuring youth recognition, scholarships, and educational initiatives in collaboration with the NAACP. A town hall meeting was held to discuss potential redevelopment and renovations of affordable housing properties, with appreciation expressed to Executive Director Ron Van Rensselaer and participating residents. Congratulations were extended to Councilman Daniel Schwartz on the birth of his grandchild. Various summer activities, including youth camps, flag-raising ceremonies, festivals, and recreational events, are planned to engage and benefit the community. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X ATTEST: APPROVED: Weatherly Frias, Gary S. Schaer, Municipal Clerk Council President Page 9 of 9