City Council

City of Passaic New Jersey Passaic City Council February 4, 2025 Minutes PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL STREAMED VIA ZOOM ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 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 FEBRUARY 4, 2025 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 JANUARY 22, 2025, 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 X X ABSENT X ABSENT 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. Council Member Schwartz takes his seat on the dais at 7:02 p.m. Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC MAYOR’S UPDATE Mayor Lora provided updates on several city initiatives and events. He highlighted the recent NAACP flag-raising ceremony at the Senior Center, led by NAACP President Sherry Grier and First Vice President Albert Williams, with city officials and community leaders in attendance. He announced that motor vehicle services, in collaboration with Assemblyman Gary Schaer’s office, would be available at City Hall on Saturday, with efforts made to widely publicize the event. The annual Community Development Action Plan meeting was held, led by Joyce Hunt, to inform applicants about CDBG and HOME funding opportunities. While there has been a gradual decline in funding in recent years, no drastic reductions are expected at this time. Updates will be provided to the council if necessary. The Mayor also attended a youth business pitch event at the Boys & Girls Club, where over 50 young women presented their ideas in a "Shark Tank"-style competition. Three winners received top prizes, and all participants were awarded financial support. The event was commended for fostering leadership and entrepreneurship among young women in the community. A community meeting was held regarding the Alfred Spear Village rehabilitation project, ensuring residents are informed about the relocation process and their guaranteed right to return once renovations are completed. A relocation officer will be hired to assist residents, and steps are being taken to ensure clear communication, including multilingual resources and public meetings. Additionally, the Mayor congratulated Nelson Castillo on his retirement, acknowledging his contributions to City Hall and the community. He also provided an update on Dignity House, which remains open as a homeless resource center during frigid temperatures, offering showers, mail services, and wraparound support. He emphasized the city's annual Super Bowl event for the homeless, which includes meals, haircuts, and access to vital services. Addressing homelessness, the Mayor noted seasonal fluctuations in numbers, with a rise during winter due to job scarcity. Dignity House has seen as many as 40 individuals on cold nights, but numbers typically range between 25-35 daily. While not a shelter, the center provides essential resources to Page 2 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC those in need. He also raised concerns about neighboring municipalities failing to support their homeless populations, leading to individuals being dropped off in Passaic. The city has set clear policies on handling such situations while continuing to advocate for shared regional responsibility. The Mayor concluded by reaffirming the city’s commitment to supporting residents, enforcing housing regulations, and ensuring continued collaboration with local agencies. He acknowledged the upcoming presentation from the Passaic Valley Water Commission and encouraged council members to share updates with the community. PRESENTATION Passaic Valley Water Commission regarding the replacement of lead water lines in Passaic. Council Member Love steps down from the dais at 7:18 p.m. Council Member Love takes his seat on the dais at 7:24 p.m. HEARING OF CITIZENS Council Member Munk 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. Page 3 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Joe Conoscenti  Questioned the city's policies on videotaping council meetings.  Raised concerns about the awarding of a contract for emergency fire alarm repairs at 361 Madison Street, criticizing the landlord’s neglect.  Expressed frustration over the landlord receiving city funds despite past violations and a fatal fire in the building.  Warned that housing authorities might stop funding the landlord’s properties due to persistent violations.  Urged the city to take stronger action against negligent landlords. After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Melo the public portion of the meeting was adjourned. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT X X X X ABSENT 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. 2476-24 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 231 “RENT STABILIZATION” OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CODE Council Member Love moved a public hearing to be held on Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member Melo, 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 Page 4 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT X X X X ABSENT X After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Melo the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT X X X X ABSENT 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 ABSENT X X X X ABSENT X COMMUNICATIONS: On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Melo following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Weatherly Frias, City Clerk submitting the following:  Applications for a Raffle License for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 95 Myrtle Ave., Passaic  Memorandum requesting Foreclosure Fee refund in the amount of $2,000.00 to Mr. Gonzalez for 301 Harrison Street, Passaic NJ 07055  Memorandum requesting a 2024 Massage, Bodywork, And Somatic Therapy Establishment Application refund in the amount of $1,250.00 to Allways Happy Spa Corporation -831 Main Ave. Ste.4 ,Passaic NJ 07055 City of Passaic, (Recreation Department) 330 Passaic Street, submitting the following application: Page 5 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC  Kid to Parks Day Event to be held in Pulaski Park on May 17, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Rain Date: May 18, 2025) (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals)  St. Mary’s Assumption Church, 63 Monroe Street, has submitted an application to hold a Fish & Chips Lunch Sale in their private parking lot on March 23, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, located at 101-103 Myrtle Avenue, submitting the following applications:  Religious Procession, on July 16, 2025 from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Procession to commence on the corner of Oak St. and Myrtle Ave., and will travel left on Gregory St., to Monroe St., to Myrtle Ave., ending on the corner of Oak St. and Myrtle Ave. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals)  50/50 Raffle, to be held in St. Anthony Church Parking Lot on June 8, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Quintana Simon Restaurant & Bar LLC t/a Clary’s Restaurant Bar, 196 Monroe Street, submitting an application for a new Entertainment License for the year 2025. Garden Society NJ LLC, 35-95 Eight Street, Building 3, submitting an application to renew their Cannabis Business Permit License for the year 2025. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT X X X X ABSENT X ALL MATTERS LISTED HEREUNDER ARE CONSIDERED ROUTINE IN NATURE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION ANY COUNCIL Page 6 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 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 Hon. Hector C. Lora, Mayor, submitting the following:  Memorandum re-appointing Hector Ledezma-Melendres to the Library Board for a four-year term to commence immediately and expire December 31, 2029 City of Passaic, Planning Board submitting the following:  2024 Reexamination Report of the Master Plan Passaic Valley Water Commission submitting the following:  Agenda of their January 24, 2025 meeting City State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection submitting the following:  Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification: NJDEP Case Number :25-01-03-1306-17  Area of Concern: One 550 gallon #2 Heating Oil Underground Storage Tank System Unrestricted Use- No Further Action Letter and Covenant Not to Sue: Block 1320, Lot 47 – 178-180 Marietta Ave.; Passaic City, Passaic County; Program Interest #: 1085648, Activity Number: CSP250001: Communication Center Number: 24-12- 11-1313-49  Vapor Intrusion Testing at: 865 Main Avenue, Passaic City, Passaic County, Block 2177, Lot 1 For: Main Avenue & Sherman Street Groundwater Contamination Site; Passaic City, Passaic County; DEP Program Interest (PI) #1080306  Notice of Hearing Date: February 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Re:  Proposed Drinking Water intended Use Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2025/State Fiscal Year 2026  Proposed Clean Water Intended Use Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2025/ State Fiscal Year 2026 Page 7 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC  Classification Exception Area/Well Restricted Area Associated with Historic Fill Pantasote Inc.-26 Jefferson Street; Passaic City, Passaic County; Program Interest Number:007047; Subject Item ID: CEA100000029 North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, submitting the following:  Minutes of their December 18, 2024 meeting  Agenda of their January 22, 2025 meeting Passaic Enterprise Zone Dev. Corp submitting the following:  Minutes of their June 14, 2023 Self-Insurance Fund of the City of Passaic, submitting the following:  Meeting notice for year 2025 ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT X X X X ABSENT X 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 Passaic Board of Education, submitting the following:  Notice of their January 27, 2025 Regular meeting ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT ABSTAIN X X X ABSENT X Page 8 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: 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 JANUARY 21, 2025, 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 Melo the following RESOLUTIONS WERE OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-02-042 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1 PASSAIC ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RIVERWALK PROJECT WHEREAS, on July 16, 2024, the City Council of the City of Passaic adopted Resolution #24-07-177 (attached) approving a contract with Diamond Construction of Brick, NJ in the amount of $ 98,600.00; and WHEREAS, additional costs were incurred due to additional concrete needed; and WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend the original contract by increasing the original contract amount by an additional $4,500.00 for a revised contract amount of $103,100.00. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the contract with Diamond Construction of Brick, NJ shall be amended to increase the contract amount to $ 103,100.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the contract be amended to increase the total amount of this contract per resolution. Page 9 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Capital Outlay/Parks Account #4-01-44-905-000-9PK. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-02-043 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF BENCHES AND BIKE RACKS MARKET STREET IMPROVEMENTS UEZ PASSAIC, NJ WHEREAS, the City of Passaic wishes to purchase benches and bike racks inclusive of installation for Riverwalk Project UEZ offered under The Educational Services Commission of NJ, Contract #24/25-01 from MRC, Spring Lake, NJ; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12 authorizes the purchase of any materials, supplies or equipment under NJ Cooperative Purchasing Program 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 equipment to be purchased is attached; and WHEREAS, the total cost for this equipment including installation is $ 42,437.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the contract for the Purchase and Installation of benches and bike racks including installation be awarded to MRC, Spring Lake, NJ. in the amount of $ 42,437.00. Page 10 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute contracts for the above, on a form approved by Corporation Counsel. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in UEZ Account #G-02- 40-023-UZM-020. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-02-044 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PASSAIC TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR THE SAFER OUTCOMES DE-ESCALATION GRANT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City of Passaic desires to accept a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for the Safer Outcomes De-Escalation Grant Program. WHEREAS, such grant is in the amount of $350,000 and covers the period of October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City of Passaic is hereby authorized to accept a grant from the U.S Department of Justice for the Safer Outcomes De- Escalation Grant Program in the amount of $350,000; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the required Contract Agreement and/or take all other steps necessary to effectuate the receipt of the grant monies. Page 11 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-02-045 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A PARTICIPATING MEDICAID PROVIDER AGREEMENT BETWEEN PASSAIC ALLIANCE AND HORIZON HEALTHCARE OF NEW JERSEY, INC. D/B/A HORIZON NJ HEALTH AND ITS AFFILIATES WHEREAS, the City of Passaic provides certain behavioral health services to residents through its Department of Human Services; and WHEREAS, Horizon Healthcare of New Jersey, Inc. d/b/a Horizon NJ Health and its Affiliates (collectively, "Horizon") has proposed a Participating Provider Agreement (the "Agreement") whereby the City would become a participating provider in Horizon's provider network to provide covered behavioral health services to Horizon members; and WHEREAS, participation in Horizon's provider network will increase access to behavioral health services for Passaic residents who are Horizon members and provide a source of revenue for the City's behavioral health services; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposed Agreement and determined that entering into the Agreement is in the best interests of the City and its residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic, New Jersey as follows: 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Participating Provider Agreement with Horizon Healthcare of New Jersey, Inc. d/b/a Horizon NJ Health and its Affiliates in substantially the form presented to the City Council, with such minor modifications as may be approved by the City Attorney. Page 12 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 2. The appropriate City officials and employees are hereby authorized to take all steps necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution. 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT X X X X ABSENT X ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING Council President Schaer read said Ordinance by title: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2477-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 275 “TAXATION”, ARTICLE II “TAX ABATEMENTS ON RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS” SECTION 5.1 “DEFINITIONS” AND ARTICLE III “TAX EXEMPTION ON IMPROVEMENTS ON DWELLINGS” WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:21-1 et. seq., the governing body of a municipality may adopt an ordinance setting forth the eligibility or noneligibility of dwellings and multiple dwellings for tax exemptions or abatement; and WHEREAS, the City of Passaic qualifies as an “area in need of rehabilitation” in its entirety pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:12A-14 of the Redevelopment and Housing Law; and WHEREAS, all of the City of Passaic census tracts qualify under N.J.S.A.40A:12A-14(2) as an “area in need of rehabilitation” because more than half of the housing stock in the delineated area is at least 50 years old; and Page 13 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, all of the City of Passaic census tracts qualify under N.J.S.A.40A:12A-14(6) as an “area an need of rehabilitation” because the majority of the water and sewer infrastructure in the delineated area is at least 50 years old and in need of repair; and WHEREAS, the City Code of the City of Passaic, Chapter 275, “Taxation,” Article III “Tax Exemption on Improvements on Multiple Dwellings”, Section 7 “Statutory Authority” declared the City of Passaic in need of rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, Mayor Hector C. Lora wishes to address the need for upgrading an aging housing stock of all census tracts within the City; and WHEREAS, Mayor Hector C. Lora wishes to encourage certain improvements to residential properties without the deterrent of adding property taxes on those improvements; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of the City of Passaic hereby accepts the ordinance amendment below and as attached for Chapter 275, “Taxation,” for first reading. NEW SECTIONS ARE UNDERLINED ALL DELETIONS ARE NOTED SECTION I 275-5.1 Definition Exemption That portion of the assessor's full and true value of any improvement, conversion alteration, or construction not regarded as increasing the taxable value of a property pursuant to this act. Page 14 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC SECTION II Article III Tax Exemption on Improvements on Dwellings and Multiple Dwellings 275-7 Statutory Authority: Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:21-1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-14 the City of Passaic is in need of rehabilitation, and one or more residential properties located within the City of Passaic are in need of rehabilitation 275-8 Exemption to be provided: The City Council hereby provides for the exemption from real property taxation (pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:21-1 et seq.) for improvements to multiple dwellings at a level not to exceed 50% and not to exceed $12,500 of the Assessor's full and true value of such improvements or conversion alterations as not increasing the value of the property for a period of five years from the date of approval by the Assessor of a proper application timely filed according to law, notwithstanding that the value of the property to which the improvements or conversion alterations are made is increased thereby. During the exemption period, the assessment on the property shall not be less than the assessment thereon existing immediately prior to the improvements or conversion alterations. Such exemption shall be applicable only to the residential portions of such buildings and areas appurtenant thereto, and such buildings shall be more than 20 years old. Further, such exemptions shall have the effect of not increasing the value of such property for a period of five years from the date of approval by the Assessor of a proper application timely filed according to law. SECTION III 275-9.1Qualifications for eligibility for tax exemption on improvements to dwellings residential property Page 15 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC A. Said residential property Dwellings must contain a building or buildings which were constructed 20 years or more prior to the time of the application for the exemption and are used or being held for use in whole or in part as homes or residential dwellings which are a consistent part of the real property. B. This exemption shall not apply to the construction of residential swimming pools. C. Condominium apartments shall be limited to a maximum $10,000 five-year abatement. However, all of the requirements of the Residential Tax Abatement Ordinance shall be adhered to for this exemption. C. D. An exemption from taxation of improvements to dwellings shall be granted for the first $25,000 in assessor's full and true value of improvements for each dwelling unit primarily and directly affected by the improvement not increasing the value of the property for a period of five years, notwithstanding that the value of the property to which the improvements are made is increased thereby. During the exemption period, the assessment on the property shall not be less than the assessment thereon existing immediately prior to the improvements, unless an abatement is granted pursuant to subsection D. Additional claims for the exemption may be submitted and approved with regard to dwellings with respect to which a previous home improvement exemption was granted in an amount less than $25,000; provided, however, that the total deduction for any dwelling unit shall not be in excess of the maximum of $25,000. D. This ordinance shall also provide for the abatement of the assessed value of property receiving the exemption as it existed immediately prior to the improvement. An abatement for a dwelling shall be granted with respect to that property for a total of five years. The annual amount of the abatement granted to any single property shall not exceed 30% of the annual amount of the exemption granted under subsection C. Under no circumstance shall the total amount Page 16 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC of the combined abatement and exemption exceed the total amount of improvement. Additionally, under no circumstance shall the total value be less than the assessed value immediately prior to the improvement. SECTION IV 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 V All ordinances or parts of ordinances to inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. SECTION VI 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 Melo the public hearing be held on February 20, 2025. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT X X X X ABSENT 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 ABSENT X X X X ABSENT X Page 17 of 18 Passaic City Council Minutes: February 4, 2025 Approved: PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 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 8:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT X X X X ABSENT X ATTEST: APPROVED: Weatherly Frias, Gary S. Schaer, Municipal Clerk Council President Page 18 of 18