City Council

City of Passaic New Jersey Passaic City Council December 17, 2024 Minutes PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL STREAMED VIA ZOOM ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 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 DECEMBER 17, 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 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 DECEMBER 6 , 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 X X X X X X ABSENT 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. The Municipal Clerk announced that Council President Schaer has designated Council Member Munk to preside over the meeting in his absence. Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC MAYOR’S UPDATE Mayor Lora provided updates on various initiatives and activities in the city. He noted ongoing work in 3rd Ward Memorial Park near Hughes Lake, funded by FEMA, involving pipe replacements and efforts to mitigate flooding concerns. Investments in park enhancements continue across the city, including updates on the county's project to combine Pulaski Park, Dundee Island, and North Pulaski, despite challenges with land and completion timelines. The goal remains to provide enhanced open spaces and recreational opportunities for the community. Mayor Lora highlighted recent successes, including the tree lighting ceremony and holiday events in the park, and acknowledged toy donation efforts from the Marines, Business Administrator Rick Fernandez, staff members, and other agencies, ensuring support for needy families in the city. He reminded residents of free parking available until January 7th, the day after Three Kings’ Day, with paid parking resuming thereafter. This extended free parking period was intended to support the city’s diverse community during the holiday season, which includes celebrations of Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christmas, with Hanukkah and Christmas coinciding this year. The Mayor also addressed ongoing efforts to maintain cleanliness in the city, urging residents to use garbage containers to combat litter caused by recent windy conditions. He acknowledged the hard work of the Department of Public Works (DPW) in maintaining the city and emphasized the importance of community collaboration in keeping Passaic clean. He concluded by expressing gratitude to all involved in these efforts and activities. Councilman Munk, the presiding council member, presented add-on items for inclusion on the agenda: Addendum 43A and supplemental information for Item 44. With no objections, these items were approved and added to the agenda DISCUSSION: RENT LEVELING BOARD Councilman Munk, the presiding council member, opened the discussion by questioning the urgency and necessity of adding this item to the meeting. With no objections, Item Page 2 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 43B, titled "Resolution Appointing Members to the Rent Leveling Board of the City of Passaic," was approved and added to the agenda. MINUTES Council Meeting Minutes for October 1, 2024 and October 15, 2024 were submitted for approval. Upon motion made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Schwartz the aforementioned meeting minutes were approved. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X ABSENT HEARING OF CITIZENS The Municipal Clerk 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. Council President Schaer takes his seat on the dais at 7:35 p.m. Joe Conoscenti • He raised concerns about the veteran banners along Main Avenue and other streets, suggesting they be removed during the winter to prevent damage and reinstalled in the spring, noting that neighboring towns like Wallington and Rutherford follow this Page 3 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC practice. • He also questioned the naming of “Team Passaic” at 522 Passaic Avenue, noting that it is the Veterans Hall and he would like clarification on the name. • He also expressed concerns about ongoing flooding issues on Howard Avenue and Tennis Court, highlighting drainage problems affecting the park and referencing past discussions with the city engineer, where no clear resolution was found. He requested further investigation into the matter. Vanessa Apaza • Vanessa Apaza, Program Coordinator for the Passaic City Coalition, highlighted the organization’s efforts in youth substance use prevention, supported by Mayor Hector Lora, City Hall staff, and community partners. Since 2019, the Mayor’s Youth Council has contributed over 1,000 hours of service, including mental health awareness events, community cleanups, and food distribution. Collaborative efforts have included parent suicide prevention education, vaping prevention programs, and policy changes in schools to prioritize education over suspension for students caught with smoking devices. • Ms. Apaza shared data showing increased nicotine, vaping, and marijuana use among youth, emphasizing the success of enforcement actions that reduced underage sales violations from 55% in 2022 to 28% in 2023. She provided council members with a packet of information on past initiatives and strategies for future public health efforts and expressed gratitude for the support from city officials, inviting continued collaboration. After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Schwartz 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 COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS: On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez following communications and Page 4 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Weatherly Frias, City Clerk submitting the following: • Memorandum requesting a cash bond refund in the amount of $2,000.00 to OMAU for their September 22, 2024 Mexican Festival. Mayor Hector C. Lora’s Youth Council, 330 Passaic Street, submitting an application to hold a FASFA Application Assistance for College Students in the Passaic City Hall Lobby on January 20, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) St. Anthony of Padua, 101-103 Myrtle Avenue, submitting application to hold Parish Raffle in their private parking lot on June 8, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Chateau Fiesta, 600 Main Ave, submitting an application to renew their Entertainment License for the year 2025. Crystal Palace Hall LLC, 55 Central Ave, submitting an application to renew their Entertainment License for the year 2025. GV Entertainment LLC. T/A Garden Vista Ballroom, 29 Howe Ave, submitting an application to renew their Entertainment License for the year 2025. Scar Entertainment LLC, 2 Brighton Ave, submitting an application to renew their Entertainment License for the year 2025. Team Passaic, 522 Paulison Ave submitting an application to renew their Entertainment License for the year 2025. Angala Private Transportation, 12 Onyx Ct Passaic NJ, submitting an application to renew their Limousine License for the year 2025. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Page 5 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 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 Schwartz and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Passaic Valley Water Commission submitting the following: • Minutes of their October 23, 2024 meeting • Minutes of their November 7, 2024 meeting • Agenda of their November 25, 2024 meeting • Notice of their December 18, 2024 meeting City State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection submitting the following: • Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification: NJDEP Case Number :24-11-21-1259-16 • Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification: NJDEP Case Number :24-11-22-1415-46 • Notice of Resolution – NJDEP Enforcement File #: NEA22001-1607-14-0003.1- NJDEP Permit File #1607-22- 0001.1 LUP220002. – 74-120 8th St, Block 1024, Lot 54.01, Passaic City, Passaic County, New Jersey City of Passaic, Planning Board submitting the following: • Agenda of their December 4, 2024 meeting City of Passaic, Zoning Board of Adjustments submitting the following: • Agenda of their November 26, 2024 • Agenda of their December 3, 2024 meeting North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, submitting the following: • Minutes of their October 23, 2024 meeting Millennium Strategies monthly activity report for November 2024. Page 6 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 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 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 Schwartz and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Passaic Board of Education submitting the following: • Notice of their December 16, 2024 meeting ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSTAIN X X X ABSTAIN X RESOLUTIONS: THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS TAKEN OFF THE AGENDA RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PASSAIC ON PASSAIC ON DECEMBER 17, 2024, AT 7:00 PM OR ANYTIME THEREAFTER TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION, CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS CONTINUED DISCUSSION: RENT LEVELING BOARD AND RELATED LEGISLATION The Council continued its discussion on Resolution 43B, "Resolution Appointing Members to the Rent Leveling Board of the City of Passaic." Members reviewed the appointments and their role in overseeing rental regulations. Page 7 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC The Council also discussed Ordinance 44, "Ordinance Amending Chapter 231 ‘Rent Control’ to ‘Rent Stabilization,’ Amending Section 8, and Adding Section 23 ‘Rent Stabilization Act of 2025’ to the City of Passaic Code." The discussion focused on the proposed changes and their impact on tenants and landlords. Christopher Rodriguez, Rent Leveling Attorney, was present and provided input on the discussion. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE VOTED ON BY ONE MOTION On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following RESOLUTIONS WERE OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-370 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) GROUNDSMASTER 7210 RIDE-ON LAWN MOWER WITH ACCESSORIES- PUBLIC WORKS WHEREAS, the City of Passaic Public Works Department wishes to purchase One (1) Groundsmaster 7210 Ride On Lawn Mower with accessories under Educational Services Commission of NJ ESCNJ Co-Op #23/23-12 from Storr Tractor Co., Branchburg, NJ, and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2 authorizes the purchase of any materials, supplies or equipment Cooperative Pricing System 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 Groundsmaster 7210 Ride On Lawn Mower is priced as per the attached; and WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Superintendent of Public Works, Mark Watkins that the contract for One (1) Groundsmaster 7210 Ride On Lawn Mower with accessories be awarded to Storr Tractor Co., Branchburg, NJ in the amount of $41,772.36. Page 8 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that a contract be awarded to Storr Tractor Co., Branchburg, NJ for One (1) Groundsmaster 7210 Ride On Lawn Mower in the amount of $41,772.36. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a contract for the above on a form approved by City Attorney CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Account # 4-01- 28-375-000-020 Parks. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-371 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR EMERGENCY SANITARY AND STORM SEWER REPAIR HOWARD AVENUE BETWEEN DAKOTA STREET AND IDAHO STREET PASSAIC NEW JERSEY WHEREAS, on November 14, 2024, there was a sanitary sewer pipe collapse on Howard Avenue between Dakota Street and Idaho Street, Passaic, NJ; and WHEREAS, it was the determination of the City Engineer, Yasseen M. Saad, that this sanitary sewer pipe collapse posed a serious potential for a health and safety hazard; and WHEREAS, a backup of sanitary sewerage was observed within the sanitary line located, and after a CCTV camera inspection was completed it was determined that a fifty- five (55) foot long section of the sanitary sewer main required immediate replacement; and Page 9 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, emergency purchases and contracts may be negotiated and awarded without public advertising for bids pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6; and WHEREAS, the following contractors were contacted: Your Way Construction Co. Irvington, NJ $15,576.00 John Garcia Construction Clifton, NJ $25,450.00 Delgado Brothers Plumbing & Heating LLC Passaic, NJ $31,000.00 WHEREAS, Your Way Construction Co, of Irvington, NJ was contracted to repair the sanitary sewer pipe collapse; and WHEREAS, the final cost of the repair was $15,576.00. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that payment to Your Way Construction Co., Inc. of Irvington, NJ be made in the amount of $15,576.00. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Account #B-12- 49-BG3-006-9RD CDBG 2023 Sewer CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-372 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR EMERGENCY SANITARY AND STORM SEWER REPAIR BROOK AVENUE BETWEEN MINERAL SPRING & GOURLEY STREET PASSAIC NEW JERSEY Page 10 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, on November 15, 2024, there was a sanitary sewer pipe collapse on Brook Avenue between Mineral Spring & Gourley Street, Passaic, NJ; and WHEREAS, it was the determination of the City Engineer, Yasseen M. Saad, that this sanitary sewer pipe collapse posed a serious potential for a health and safety hazard; and WHEREAS, a backup of sanitary sewerage was observed within the sanitary line located on Brook Avenue between the intersection with Mineral Spring Avenue and Gourley Street. A CCTV camera inspection indicated that an approximate seventy (70) foot long section of sanitary sewer required immediate replacement; and WHEREAS, emergency purchases and contracts may be negotiated and awarded without public advertising for bids pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6; and WHEREAS, the following contractors were contacted: Your Way Construction Co. Irvington, NJ $20,301.00 John Garcia Construction Clifton, NJ $24,500.00 Delgado Brothers Plumbing & Heating LLC Passaic, NJ $79,000.00 WHEREAS, Your Way Construction Co, of Irvington, NJ was contracted to repair the sanitary sewer pipe collapse; and WHEREAS, the final cost of the repair was $20,301.00. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that payment to Your Way Construction Co., Inc. of Irvington, NJ be made in the amount of $20,301.00. Page 11 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Account #B-12- 49-BG3-006-9RD CDBG 2023 Sewer CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO.24-12-373 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 2025 CHEVROLET TAHOE – FIRE DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, the Passaic Fire Department wishes to purchase One (1) 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe offered under Cranford Cooperative Pricing System Contract #T2776-21- 01485 from Fred Beams Management Company, Doylestown, PA; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2 authorizes the purchase of any materials, supplies or equipment Cooperative Pricing System 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 vehicle is priced as follows: One (1) 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe $48,699.00 Base Bid Options (See attached) $ 3,987.00 Total $ 52,686.00 WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost that the contract for One (1) 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe be awarded to Fred Beams Management Company, Doylestown, PA under Cranford Cooperative Pricing System in the amount of $52,686.00 inclusive of the attached options. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that a contract be awarded to Fred Page 12 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Beams Management Company, Doylestown, PA for One (1) 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe in the amount of $52,686.00. 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 Account #T-03- 56-293-000-808 Fire Prevention Trust CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-374 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH BRYAN ELECTRIC FOR SEVEN (7) DUAL-PORT VEHICLE CHARGERS AND ONE (1) SINGLE PORT VEHICLE CHARGERPARKING DECK( WHEREAS, the City of Passaic wishes to enter into a contract with Bryan Electric, Trenton, NJ for Seven (7) Dual-Port Vehicle Chargers and One (1) Single Port Vehicle Charger offered under the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) Contract #ESCNJ 22/23-35 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A.40A:11-2 authorizes the purchase of any materials, supplies or equipment under 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 cost for these vehicle chargers is $ 103,036.75 inclusive of Five (5) Year software upgrades, Five (5) year Parts, and on-site Labor, and Installation; and Page 13 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that a contract be awarded to Bryan Electric, Trenton, NJ in the amount of $103,036.75. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a contract for the above on a form approved by City Attorney. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Parking Authority Account #4-01-25-245-000-029. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-375 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION AND INSPECTION MANAGEMENT FOR HOWARD AVENUE TENNIS COURT DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, proposals were received by the Director of Purchasing on Friday, December 6, 2024, for Design and Construction and Inspection Management For Howard Avenue Tennis Courts Drainage Improvements; and WHEREAS, the proposals were solicited through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et. seq; and WHEREAS, proposals were received as per the attached; and WHEREAS, a list of proposals that were downloaded from the City of Passaic’s website can be found in the Purchasing Department Office; and Page 14 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the evaluation Committee reviewed the proposals received and recommends that the contract for Design and Construction Management and Inspections be awarded to Neglia Group, Lyndhurst, NJ in an amount not to exceed $61,800.00. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the contract for Design and Construction Management and Inspections For Howard Avenue Tennis Courts Drainage Improvements be awarded to Neglia Group, Lyndhurst, NJ in the amount not to exceed $61,800.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a contract on a form approved by the City Attorney. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Account #T-03-56-320- 000-RSR CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-376 RESOLUTION REJECTING PROPOSALS FOR PRESCRIBER SERVICES FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, proposals were received by the Director of Purchasing on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, for Re-bid Prescriber Services for the Substance Abuse Treatment Program; and WHEREAS, the proposals were solicited through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq; and Page 15 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, a proposal was received from Dr. Trivedi, MD, Flemington NJ; and WHEREAS, a list of proposals that were downloaded from the City of Passaic’s website can be found in the Purchasing Department Office; and WHEREAS, Dan Smith, Program Coordinator for Drug and Alcohol Abuse recommends rejecting the proposal submitted by Dr. Nirmal Trivedi, MD of Flemington, NJ, due to non- compliance with State regulations (NJAC 10:161b) provision that all prescribers have a named person who can act as an emergency backup which was specified in the proposal package. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the proposal received from Dr. Nirmal Trivedi, MD of Flemington NJ, for Prescriber Services for Substance abuse treatment program, be rejected. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-377 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT OF CONTRACT FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR 2022 NJDOT LOCAL FREIGHT IMPACT FUND (LFIF) 8TH STREET ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS WHEREAS, on February 28, 2023, the City Council of the City of Passaic adopted Resolution #23-02-062 (attached) approving a contract with French & Parrello Associates, of Wall NJ, for Design and Construction Management for 2022 Local Freight Impact Fund (LFIF) 8th Street Roadway Improvements; and WHEREAS, the initial contract for these services was $89,685.00; and Page 16 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, additional design services were needed to accommodate utility conflicts which would have had a serious impact on the drainage system in the amount of $16,170.00; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the contract with French & Parrello Associates, Wall NJ, shall be amended to increase the total contract amount to $105,855.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a contract on a form approved by the City Attorney. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Account # G-02-40- 022-DLF-020. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-378 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH PARSELLS PRINTING FOR 2025 RECYCLING CALENDARS WHEREAS, bids were received by the Director of Purchasing, on Friday, November 22, 2024, for Recycling Calendars 2025; and WHEREAS, a bid was received as per the attached; and WHEREAS, in addition to the attached, a complete list of vendors downloaded from the City of Passaic’s website is available in the purchasing department; and WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of Doris Dudek, Director of Purchasing that the contract for Recycling Page 17 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Calendars 2025 be awarded to Parsells Printing of Maywood NJ in the amount of $32,475.20. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that a contract be awarded to Parsells Printing, Maywood NJ in the amount of $32,475.20. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a contract for the above on a form approved by City Attorney. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in the 2020 Recycling Tonnage Grant Account #G-02-40-021-RTG-020. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-379 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR SNOW PLOWING/ REMOVAL SERVICES 2024-2025 CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, bids were received by the Director of Purchasing on Thursday, November 22nd, 2024 for Snow Plowing/Removal Services 2024-2025; and WHEREAS, a bid was received From Kept Companies, Inc of Fairfield NJ and WHEREAS, in addition to the attached, a complete list of vendors that downloaded from the City of Passaic’s website, are available in the Purchasing Department; and WHEREAS, the award will be based on hourly rates (x) Eight (8) hours. Quantity is for calculation purposes only and can fluctuate plus or minus during the contract. Page 18 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, Mark Watkins, Superintendent of Public Works recommends that a contract be awarded to Kept Companies, Inc. of Fairfield, NJ for the following truck class on an as-needed basis; and Truck Class Hourly Rate Class C: 6,500 lbs. to $200/hr. 19,999 TOTAL BID: $1,600.00 WHEREAS, the City of Passaic shall determine the need to execute this contract on an as-needed basis with a minimum accumulation of four (4) inches or more of snow; and WHEREAS, the above rates shall not exceed a total of $35,000.00 commencing December 1, 2024, to through April 15, 2025; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the contract for Snow Plowing/Removal Services 2024-2025 be awarded to Kept Companies, Inc of Fairfield NJ for the above-mentioned rates on an as-needed basis (a minimum accumulation of four (4) inches or more of snow shall dictate the calling out of Contractor) in an amount not to exceed $35,000.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a contract on a form approved by the City Attorney. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Public Works Acct. #4-01-26-290-000-028 and funds for subsequent budget is available providing that the budget is approved by the governing body. Page 19 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-380 RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR FURNISHING A ND DELIVERY SOLAR SMART PARKING METERS WHEREAS, a bid was received by the Director of Purchasing on Thursday, December 5, 2024, for the Furnishing and Delivery of Solar Smart Parking Meters or Approved Equal; and WHEREAS, a full list of vendors that downloaded specifications from the website can be obtained from the Purchasing Department; and WHEREAS a bid was received from POM Inc, of Russellville, AR, as per the following: Approximate Unit Total Quantity Price 156 $1,100 $171,600.00 WHEREAS, it is recommended that POM Inc, of Russellville AR, be awarded the contract for Solar Smart Parking Meters in the approximate amount of $171,600.00; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that a contract to purchase approximately one hundred sixty (156) Solar Smart Parking Meters be awarded to POM Inc., of Russellville, AR in the approximate amount of $171,600.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a contract for the above on form approved by the City Attorney. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in UEZ Account #G-02- 40-023-UZM-020 ($132,000.00) and Account #G-02-40-024- NP4-020 ($39,600.00) Page 20 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-381 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE ORDER TO INCREASE A CONTRACT WITH 4 CLEAN-UP INC. 2022 NJDOT LOCAL AID INFRASTRUCTURE FUND PROGRAM MYRTLE AVENUE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WHEREAS, on September 5, 2024, the City Council of the City of Passaic adopted Resolution #24-09-226 (attached) approving a contract with 4 Clean-Up Inc, North Bergen, NJ for 2022 NJDOT Local Aid Infrastructure Fund Program Myrtle Avenue Roadway Improvements Project in the amount of $333,830.15; and WHEREAS, a change order is necessary to increase the contract as follows: Original Contract $333,830.15 Additional Work $31,003.10 $ 364,833.25 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the change order to the contract between the City of Passaic and 4 Clean-Up Inc. North Bergen, NJ for 2022 NJDOT Local Aid Infrastructure Fund Program Myrtle Avenue Roadway Improvements Project is ratified and accepted, adjusting the contract an additional $31,003.10 to the revised total amount of $364,833.25. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City is hereby authorized to execute this Change Order in a form approved by the City Attorney and that the Change Order be filed in the City Clerk’s Office. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Page 21 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Funds for the above are available in Acct.#3-01-44-905- 000-9PK ($21,439.25) and Acct. #G-02-40-023-LAI-020 ($9,563.85) CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-382 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #6 PARKING DECK – PASSAIC AND STATE STREET WHEREAS, on June 18, 2024, the City Council of the City of Passaic adopted Resolution #24-06-159 (attached) approving a contract with Dinallo Construction of Wood- Ridge, NJ in the amount of $12,757,000.00; and WHEREAS, on November 7, 2024, the City Council approved Resolution #24-11-284 (attached) for Change Orders #1, 2, and 3 in the amount of $591,943.71 for a revised contract amount of $13,348,943.71; and WHEREAS, on December 5, 2024, the City Council approved Resolution #24-12-311 (attached) for Change Orders #4 and 5 in the amount of $60,308.49 for a revised contract amount of $13,409,252.20 WHEREAS, Change Order #6 has been incurred due to the discovery of old concrete foundations throughout the construction site; and WHEREAS, the contract increased an additional $40,323.71 amending the total contract amount to $13,449,575.91. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the contract with Dinallo Construction of Wood-Ridge, NJ shall be amended to increase the contract amount to $13,449,575.91. Page 22 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the contract be amended to increase the total amount of this contract per resolution. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Bond Ordinance Account #C-04-55-984-024-PDK. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-383 RESOLUTION 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. 21-00189 to Greymorr, LLC, which certificate is dated December 23, 2021 covering the following premise as set on the city tax map: BLOCK LOT PROPERTY LOC. CERTIFICATE NO. 838 Main 4111 3 Avenue 21-00189 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 Page 23 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 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. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-384 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS WHEREAS, the tax office received a duplicate tax payment from Qadar Jilani Delta, LLC for property known as Block 1263.011 Lot 5, also known as 244 Main Avenue, owner: Zulfiqar & Tahseen Ahmed; WHEREAS, Qadar Jilani Delta, the payer requested a refund of the amount paid in duplicate. 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 Name & Address YEAR AMOUNT 1263.01/5 244 Main Ave Qadar Jilani Delta 2024 $1,942.24 241 Main Avenue Passaic, NJ 07055-5501 Page 24 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-385 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 10/28/24 for Block: 3256 Lot: 13, also known as 179 High Street, Passaic, NJ, property owners: Congregation Kollel Ohr Hatorah. The judgments entered for tax year 2023 reduced the assessment on the property for the tax year; WHEREAS, the above-mentioned property, based on same judgments entered from the Tax Court of New Jersey, the credits resulting from the 2023 judgments will be; 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 3256/13 179 High Congregation 2023 $12,672.66 $ 0.00 Street Kollel Ohr Hatorah Applied to 4 QTR 2023 0.00 Total Refund $12,672.66 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-386 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS WHEREAS, the tax office received a duplicate tax payment from Lereta for property known as Block 3272.01 Lot 11, also known as 312-328 Broadway, owner: 302 310 Broadway LLC; Page 25 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, Lereta, the mortgage servicer requested a refund of the amount paid in duplicate. 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 Name & Address YEAR AMOUNT 3272.01/11 312-328 Broadway 302 310 Broadway LLC 2024 $5,591.32 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-387 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 10/28/24 for Block: 3298 Lot: 33, also known as 129-135 Main Ave, Passaic, NJ, property owners: Congregation Kollel Ohr Hatorah. The judgments entered for tax year 2023 reduced the assessment on the property for the tax year; WHEREAS, the above-mentioned property, based on same judgments entered from the Tax Court of New Jersey, the credits resulting from the 2023 judgments will be; 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/LO PROPERTY OWNER TAX REFUNDS CREDIT T YEAR S 3298/33 129-135 Main Congregation 2023 $36,832.80 $0.00 Ave Kollel Ohr Hatorah Page 26 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Applied to 4 QTR 2023 0.00 Total Refund $36,832.80 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-388 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS WHEREAS, the tax office received a duplicate tax payment from Brunilda Urena for property known as Block 4104.01 Lot 20, also known as 32 Burgess Pl, owner: Brunilda Urena; WHEREAS, Brunilda Urena, the property owners requested a refund of the amount paid in duplicate. 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 Name & Address YEAR AMOUNT 4104.01/20 32 Burgess Pl Brunilda Urena 2024 $2,806.17 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-389 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. Page 27 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 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 Qual Property Loc Owner Year Amount Carson, Raymond & 1014 3 60 Fourth St. Rachellee 2024 $2,464.60 2-12 South 441 Pascack Rd Urban R 1030 43 Market St. LLC 2024 $584.87 42 Van Houten Jose Reyes & Kathrine 1262.02 19 Ave. Ortiz 2024 $629.46 Colon, Angel & 2144.01 32 105 Park Pl. Milagros 2024 $2,026.26 70 Quincy St Holdings 2160 20 43 Irving Pl. LLC 2024 $2,759.93 501 Harrison Maria Perez & Connie 2175.02 36 St. Esturilho 2024 $1,971.68 285 Aycrigg 3250 1.7 c004e Ave. Villar, Melissa 2024 $1,371.56 285 Aycrigg 3250 1.7 c017c Ave. Gof, Beslan 2024 $736.75 Landsberg, Jessie & 3258 24 87 Aycrigg Ave. Rachel 2024 $4,689.56 292 Passaic 3268.01 3 Ave. Fizicki, Gabriel 2024 $3,839.86 3270.02 11 10 Terry St. Cimera, Ico 2024 $2,054.71 516-518 3309 11 Broadway Borowski, Yosef & Sara 2024 $2,748.37 3311 1 449 Brook Ave. Goldberg, Daniel 2024 $848.64 4108 54 158 Sherman St. Pineda, Arconeris 2024 $2,695.82 Total Refund: $29,422.07 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-390 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CANCELLATION OF TAX CREDITS FROM PRIOR YEARS WHEREAS, the following tax accounts continue to show credit balances from prior year; WHEREAS, the same tax accounts were either Deleted or Exempt in previous years and since these accounts are Page 28 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC no longer taxable, the resulted credits cannot be applied to future taxation; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the prior years’ credits be cancelled for the following amounts and for the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly: BLOCK/LOT PROPERTY STATUS YEAR CREDITS AMOUNT 1209/25 207 River Dr. Exemption 2015 4,464.83 2152/38 88 Broadway Sub-Division 2008 38.77 2195.B/18 540 Paulison Sub-Division 1999 1,305.34 2204/38 230 Paulison Exemption 2003 2,857.10 2208/1.36/c0001 2 Paulison Exemption 2008 73.43 3230/25 199 Lafayette Sub-Division 2008 2,212.49 3240/7 277 Broadway Sub-Division 2008 370.94 3242/11 88 Linden Exemption 2009 20.49 3289/44 2-8 Bond St. Sub-Division 2008 921.20 3318.C/22 266 Terhune Exemption 2008 300.90 4122/37 137 Quincy Exemption 2015 672.12 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-391 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF OVERBILLED TAXES FROM PRIOR YEARS WHEREAS, the following properties were deleted and/or exempt in prior years which resulted in overbilled taxes for the same tax years. WHEREAS, the overbilled tax amounts should be cancelled on any Exempt and/or Deleted properties; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the overbilled taxes be cancelled for the following amounts and for the Tax Collector to adjust her records accordingly: BLOCK/LOT PROPERTY STATUS YEAR TO CANCEL Page 29 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 1048/9 180 Market St Merged 2000 1,341.13 3280/8 402 Broadway Merged 2000 4,493.42 3280/10 410 Broadway Merged 2000 1,179.17 3280/36 379 Howe Ave Merged 2000 298.25 3302/17 430 Passaic Exempt 2000 193.10 Ave 4063/11 59 Van Winkle Exempt 2000 39.51 4065/1.2 73 Dayton Exempt 2004 37.42 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-392 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PASSAIC AND COUNTY OF PASSAIC FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING SENIOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY AND RESIDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 2024 WHEREAS, the City of Passaic (“City”) is desirous of utilizing the County of Passaic’s (“County”) Para-Transit vehicles for the purpose of providing transportation services to the elderly and residents with disabilities of the City of Passaic; and WHEREAS, the City and County wish to enter into the attached Shared Services Agreement (“Agreement”) for the utilization of such vehicles pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:8A- 1, et. seq.; and WHEREAS, under such Agreement, the County agrees to make three (3) vehicles available to the City for the period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 nd also agrees to pay the City a sum not to exceed $60,402.00 for reimbursement of costs incurred by the City in hiring and maintaining drivers for such vehicles; and WHEREAS, the City, in exchange for the use of such vehicles, agrees to maintain the level of services that existed on or about December 31, 2005 and to provide all non-emergency medical transportation for its senior and handicapped citizens; and Page 30 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the City and County have set forth their intentions within the Agreement attached hereto and mutually agree to be subject to the terms and conditions therein. 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 Shared Services Agreement with the County of Passaic for the use of three (3) Para-Transit vehicles by the City of Passaic for the period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 subject to the terms and conditions thereof; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the Shared Services Agreement attached hereto; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution and a copy of the executed Shared Services Agreement shall be forwarded to the County of Passaic; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution and a copy of the executed Shared Services Agreement shall be forwarded to the Division of Local Government Services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-4. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-393 RESOLUTION – BUDGET TRANSFERS CALENDAR YEAR 2024 BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic in the County of Passaic and State of New Jersey, that, the following transfers are to be made from the Calendar Year 2024 Municipal Budget Appropriations: FROM TO Page 31 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Police SW 500,000.00 Administration OE 5,000.00 Human Resources OE 5,000.00 Plan. & Econ. SW 90,000.00 Dev. Workmen’s Comp OE 400,000.00 TOTAL 500,000.00 500,000.00 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-394 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2025 INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PASSAIC ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE WHEREAS, the City of Passaic maintains the position of Economic Development Representative; and WHEREAS, the Economic Development Representative is the long-time Zone Coordinator of the Passaic Enterprise Zone Development Corporation (PEZDC); and WHEREAS, the Passaic Enterprise Zone Development Corporation conducts programs to support economic development within the City of Passaic; and WHEREAS, The Passaic Enterprise Zone Development Corporation desires to utilize the services of the Economic Development Representative for approximately two- thirds of that employee’s time; and WHEREAS, sharing the time of the Economic Development Representative between both the City and the PEZDC will result in efficiencies to both organizations; WHEREAS, the City and PEZDC have had a successful history of sharing employees in a similar manner; and Page 32 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the PEZDC Board of Trustees at their December 11, 2024 meeting approved a resolution to enter into an inter-local services agreement with the City of Passaic for the services of the Economic Development Representative. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into an inter-local services agreement with the PEZDC for the Economic Development Representative providing the City with a payment of up to $91,839 for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 for the services of the Economic Development Representative. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-395 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2025 INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PASSAIC ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR WHEREAS, the City of Passaic maintains the position of Business Administrator; and WHEREAS, the Business Administrator has also served as Executive Director of the Passaic Enterprise Zone Development Corporation (PEZDC); and WHEREAS, the Passaic Enterprise Zone Development Corporation conducts programs to support economic development within the City of Passaic; and WHEREAS, The Passaic Enterprise Zone Development Corporation desires to utilize the services of the Business Administrator on a part-time basis; and WHEREAS, sharing the time of the Business Administrator between both the City and the PEZDC will result in efficiencies to both organizations; Page 33 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the City and PEZDC have had a successful history of sharing employees in a similar manner; and WHEREAS, the PEZDC Board of Trustees at their December 11, 2024 meeting approved a resolution to enter into an inter-local services agreement with the City of Passaic for the services of the Business Administrator. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into an inter-local services agreement with the PEZDC for the Executive Director providing the City with a payment of up to $54,829 for the period January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 for the services of the Business Administrator. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 24-12-396 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF THE FINANCIAL AGREEMENT WITH IDIL PASSAIC URBAN RENEWAL, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 26 JEFFERSON STREET, PASSAIC, NEW JERSEY, BLOCK 4075.01, LOTS 2, 3, 35.01, 37.01, 39-44 AND 47 WHEREAS, IDIL Passaic, LLC (“IDIL”) is the owner of property located at 26 Jefferson Street in the City of Passaic, designated as Block 4075.01, Lots 2, 3, 35.01, 37.01, 39-44 and 47 (the “Property”), which is located within the boundaries of the City of Passaic in an area that has been designated by the City as an area in need of redevelopment, which Property is included in a duly adopted Rehabilitation/Redevelopment Plan for the Property; and, WHEREAS, by Resolution, the Passaic Redevelopment Agency designated IDIL as the Redeveloper of the Property and entered into a Redevelopment Agreement, dated July 22, Page 34 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 2022, with IDIL for the redevelopment of the Property; and, WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 2209-19, adopted on April 23, 2019, the City Council approved an application for a long-term tax exemption and authorized the City to enter a Financial (PILOT) Agreement with IDIL for the Property pursuant the New Jersey Long Term Tax Exemption Law (“LTTEL”), N.J.S.A. 40A:20-1 et seq.; and, WHEREAS, on or about August 5, 2020, the City did enter into a Financial (PILOT) Agreement with IDIL Passaic Urban Renewal, LLC (“IDIL URE”), an urban renewal entity formed by IDIL pursuant to the LTTEL for such purpose (the “Agreement”); and, WHEREAS, IDIL URE is entering into a purchase and sale agreement with AIREF Passaic Center Urban Renewal, LLC (“AIREF URE”), a newly formed urban renewal entity that is wholly owned by Ares Industrial Real Estate Fund OP LP with respect to the Property; and, WHEREAS, the Project has been completed and, pursuant to Section 8.01 of the Agreement, IDIL URE has requested that the City approve the transfer of the Agreement from IDIL URE to AIREF URE, which transfer would be effective with upon the closing of title between the parties; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.01(a) of the Agreement, AIREF URE has submitted an application to the City in accordance with the LTTEL, including without limitation N.J.S.A. 40A:20-8; and, WHEREAS, the City’s Business Administrator and other City professionals have reviewed AIREF URE’s application and have recommended to the City Council that the same be approved subject to the conditions set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic as follows: 1. The above recitations are incorporated herein as if set forth at length; and, Page 35 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 2. AIREF URE’s application and IDIL URE’s request to approve the transfer of the Agreement with respect to the Property are hereby approved; and, 3. This approval is contingent upon the completion of the City’s financial due diligence into AIREF URE; and, 4. AIREF URE shall undertake all of IDIL URE’s obligations under the Agreement pursuant to an “Assignment and Assumption Agreement” to be executed by IDIL URE, AIREF URE and the City, which form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement is hereby approved and shall become effective upon the closing of the sale of the Property. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor, City Clerk and any and all other appropriate City Officials are hereby authorized and directed to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution including, but not limited to, the Assignment and Assumption Agreement. Council Member Munk stepped down from the dais at 8:19 p.m. Council Member Munk returned to the dais at 8:20 p.m. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X The agenda items were considered out of sequence in accordance with New Jersey statutory guidelines 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 Page 36 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING Council President Schaer read said Ordinance by title: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2474-24 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 231 “RENT CONTROL” TO CHAPTER 231 “RENT STABILIZIATION”, AMENDING SECTION 8 AND ADDING SECTION 23 “RENT STABILIZATION ACT OF 2025” OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CODE WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A.40:48-2, the governing body of a municipality may make, amend, repeal, and enforce such other ordinances, regulations, rules and by-laws not contrary to the laws of this state or of the United States, as it may deem necessary and proper for the good government, order and protection of person and property, and for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants, and as may be necessary to carry into effect the powers and duties conferred and imposed by this subtitle, or by any law; WHEREAS, this Ordinance is being proposed to ensure that the citizens of the City are protected from unconscionable rent increases throughout the duration of their tenancies while also ensuring that property owners are incentivized to continue investing in the City and maintaining and improving their properties to ensure adequate living conditions throughout the City; NOW THEREFORE, IT IS ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City Code of the City of Passaic is hereby amended to incorporate the revisions promulgated herein, amend the title of Chapter 231 to “Rent Stabilization”, and add Chapter 231 Section 23, entitled “Rent Stabilization of 2025” in their entirety as follows: SECTION I ALL ADDITIONS ARE UNDERLINED ALL DELETIONS ARE NOTED BELOW BY STRIKETHROUGH Page 37 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC § 231 RENT CONTROL STABILIZATION § 231-8 Rent Leveling Board A. There is hereby created a Rent Leveling Board within the City of Passaic. Said Board shall consist of three regular members. The regular members shall be: (i) a landlord, (ii) a tenant and (iii) an expert or homeowner member of the general public, each such member position is described below. All members must be residents of Passaic. The terms of regular members shall be four years. Each member shall serve without compensation. (1) Landlord: A landlord is defined as an individual who either directly or indirectly (through a corporate entity of any form or trust) owns a Housing Space, Dwelling Unit, or Multiple Dwelling Housing Space within Passaic and is actively renting said property to at least one (1) tenant for residential purposes. (2) Tenant: A tenant is defined as an individual who rents or leases their primary residence within Passaic, irrespective of whether the tenant is renting under an active lease or is subject to a month-to-month tenancy. For purposes of this Section, the tenant must hold a primary obligation to the tenancy, in that said tenant is responsible, at least in part, for paying rent, utilities, and communicating with the landlord. (3) Expert: An expert is any individual who possesses specialized professional knowledge regarding landlord-tenant relationships, maintaining properties, and the difficulties which accompany that relationship. Whether an individual qualifies as an expert is a subjective analysis to be determined by the City Council on a case-by-case basis; however, examples of individuals who would qualify as an expert are lawyers, housing counselors, residential rental real estate brokers, property managers for residential dwelling units, general contractor, construction professional, construction inspector, paralegals, tenants’ rights representatives, legal aid officers, and individuals experienced with working in or with the United States Department of Page 38 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Housing and Urban Development or with tenants receiving assistance through the Section 8 Voucher Program. The aforementioned list is only designed to be demonstrative of the type and kind of experience that would qualify an individual as an expert and is, in no way, a definitive list of qualified persons. (4) Homeowner: A homeowner is an individual whose primary residence is within Passaic and who owns said residence, either directly or indirectly (through a corporate entity of any form or trust). Said homeowner must own at least 25% of the rights to said residence whether directly or indirectly (through a corporate entity of any form or trust). There is no requirement that the residence be subject to any mortgage or other financial instrument. B. There shall be three alternate members, including one tenant, one landlord and one expert or homeowner member of the general public, all of whom must be residents of the City of Passaic. The terms of said alternate members of the Board shall be for a period of four years. In the event that a permanent member is absent or unavailable for a meeting, then the member appointed in the same category, i.e., tenant and alternate tenant, landlord and alternate landlord or expert and alternate expert, shall replace the permanent member. In no case shall an alternate member replace the member of a different category at any meeting. Each alternate member shall serve without compensation. § 231-23 Rent Stabilization of 2025. A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, from the effective date of this section, up until the sixth (6th) anniversary of the effective date of this section, it shall be unlawful for any landlord of a multiple- dwelling housing space or Dwelling Unit to demand, receive or collect any rental increase more than once in any twelve-month period; or, in situations in which a lease for a period of time greater than twelve months is involved, no landlord shall demand, receive or collect any rental increase more than once in a twelve-month period and any rent increase shall be restricted to a maximum of 8%. The landlord may increase the base rent on each annual anniversary date of each tenancy by a maximum of 8%. Page 39 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC B. The provisions of this section shall supersede any other provisions of this Chapter 231 with which it conflicts through the duration of its effectiveness. With the exception of the provisions contained in §§ 231-2 and 231- 4, all other provisions contained in this Chapter 231 shall apply to leaseholds subject to § 231-23 and are meant to be interpreted jointly. Leaseholds that explicitly fall within the specific confines of §§ 231-2 and 231-4 shall continue to be subject to the restrictions contained therein. This provision is explicitly intended to, among other provisions, permit impacted parties to seek relief under: (a) § 231-5 Capital Improvement and service increase surcharge; (b) § 231-6 Application for hardship rental increase; and (c) § 231-19 Complaints. C. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all Dwelling Units occupied on or after the effective date of this section up until the sixth (6th) anniversary of the effective date of this section. Any Dwelling Unit which becomes vacant throughout the duration of this section’s effective period shall not be subject to the provisions of this section; however, should that Dwelling Unit become occupied, the provisions of this section shall apply to the new tenancy to the extent that any renewals fall within the effective period of this § 231-23. D. Application for Below Market Rent Increase. A property owner who is currently renting a Dwelling Unit at a base rent that is below the then-present applicable low income rate identified by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) for “Low Home Rent Limits” in the “Bergen-Passaic, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area” is permitted to apply to the Rent Leveling Board for a below market rent increase up to the aforementioned applicable “Low Home Rent Limit”, provided that said property owner submits evidence along with said application in compliance with all requirements set forth herein. The purpose of this permissible increase is to incentivize property owners to maintain and upkeep Dwelling Units to ensure that all residents are provided a safe and clean home at a fair rent. (1) Accompanying an application for a Below Market Rent Increase, the property owner must submit to the Rent Leveling Board: (a) copies of updated Landlord-Tenant Registrations for all applicable Page 40 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Dwelling Units in the subject property, irrespective of whether or not an increase is being sought for the remaining Dwelling Units; (b) copies of the lease in effect for the subject Dwelling Unit; (c) a copy of a satisfactory property maintenance inspection report issued by the Division of Housing and Property Maintenance for all areas impacting the subject Dwelling Unit; and (d) a copy of the written notice provided to the tenant residing in said Dwelling Unit of the property owner’s intent to seek the instant application with proof of delivery of no less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to submission of the instant application. (2) The Rent Leveling Board shall review the property owner’s application and, if said application is satisfactory, shall approve the property owner’s requested increase. If the application is not satisfactory or if the Dwelling Unit or subject property is subject to any building, health, code, or zoning violations, then the Rent Leveling Board shall either (a) deny the application or (b) provide the property owner with a reasonable time to correct any violations and other unsatisfactory portion of the application and present to the Rent Leveling Board with evidence of all corrections. No rent increase beyond the limits set forth in § 231-23(A.) shall go into effect if the identified property is subject to any building, health, code, or zoning violations. (3) Rent Increase Limiter. In the event that an increase authorized under this Subsection D represents an increase beyond 20% of the rent then in-effect, then said increase shall be limited and implemented in accordance with the explicit requirements of this Subsection D(3). Landlord shall be permitted to increase the rent then-in- effect by a maximum of 20% year-on-year until the effective HUD “Low Home Rent Limit,” applicable to the time period in question, is achieved. Thereafter, the subject landlord shall be confined to the rental increase limitations proscribed herein. In conjunction with approving an application under this Subsection D, the Rent Page 41 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Leveling Board shall also set forth a schedule of rent increases that conform to the requirements of this Chapter. (4) In the event that the Rent Leveling Board is incomplete while an application for a Below Market Rent Increase is being submitted by a property owner, the Attorney to the Rent Leveling Board, a representative of the Human Services Department and City Clerk shall review the property owner’s submission for its sufficiency thereof and serve as the acting Rent Leveling Board for the sole purpose of acting upon said application. 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 be subject to review by the Council after passage of six months from its effective date. SECTION V This ordinance shall take effect upon publication as provided by law. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SCHAER STEPPED DOWN FROM THE DAIS AT 8:39 P.M. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SCHAER RETURNED TO THE DAIS AT 8:46 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBER GARCIA STEPPED DOWN FROM THE DAIS AT 8:46 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBER GARCIA RETURNED TO THE DAIS AT 8:48 P.M. Council Member Love moved the Ordinance be approved on first reading. Motion was seconded by Council Member Melo the public hearing be held on January 21, 2025. Page 42 of 43 Passaic City Council Minutes: December 17, 2024 Approved: March 4, 2025 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 The agenda items were considered out of sequence in accordance with New Jersey statutory guidelines CONTINUED RESOLUTIONS: COUNCIL PRESIDENT SCHAER STATED THAT RESOLUTION 43B, "RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE RENT LEVELING BOARD OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC," WILL BE TABLED AND CONSIDERED AT THE JANUARY 7, 2025 MEETING. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Melo the meeting was adjourned at 9:41 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 43 of 43