City Council

City of Passaic New Jersey Passaic City Council May 20, 2025 Minutes PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WAS CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL STREAMED VIA ZOOM ON TUESDAY, MAY 20, 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 MAY 20, 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 MAY 7, 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 X ABSENT X ABSENT X X X ALSO PRESENT: Hector C. Lora, Mayor; Ricardo Fernandez, Business Administrator; Susie Burns, City Attorney Invocation was rendered by Council Member Melo followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council Member Schwartz joined at 7:01 p.m. Council President Schaer stated that a revised agenda item and an addendum, Item No. 27A — resolution amending Resolution No. 35-04-104, appointing commissioners and alternate commissioners to the Zoning Board of Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC Adjustment — was before the council and asked if there was any objection to including it in the evening’s agenda. HEARING OF CITIZENS Council President Schaer opened the public portion of the Meeting with the following statement for the record: In Accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq.). The Council opens every public meeting for comments of the public. However, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 “nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the discretion of a public body to permit, prohibit or regulate the active participation at any meeting,” Therefore, the City Council will not entertain any comments from persons who communicate obscene material, make statements which are considered bias intimidation in which any person attempts to intimidate any individual or group because of race, color, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, or ethnicity or makes personally offensive or abusive, defamatory or profane comments, comments intending to harass or speak any offensive or abusive language. The person who makes these statements will relinquish their allotted five minutes for public discussion. Marva Wade: • As a lifelong resident of Passaic and a homeowner on Barry Place for 24 years, she expressed strong opposition to the introduction of a Rita’s Ice Cream store in her neighborhood. She stated that residents received no notice or communication from the City and were not given an opportunity to provide input. • She highlighted the historic significance of the building, noting it was constructed in 1870 and had long been used as a storage facility without electricity until recently. She questioned the suitability of the structure for commercial use and expressed that it should be preserved due to its heritage. • She raised concerns about increased traffic, noise, trash, and potential late-night loitering. She criticized the City for failing to consult with the Page 2 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC community and stated that the voices of taxpaying residents were overlooked. • She also addressed ongoing property maintenance issues involving NJ Transit, such as overgrown bushes, accumulated garbage, and rat infestations. She expressed concern that the new business could worsen these conditions. • She suggested that other nearby locations with existing storefronts and parking would be more appropriate for such a business, noting that those areas could support foot traffic and benefit existing local businesses. • She questioned whose interests were being prioritized— residents or commercial interests—and stated that residents’ concerns were not properly considered. Anthony Wade: • He stated that Barry Place residents first became aware of the Rita’s Ice Cream store when signage was installed on April 24. After observing activity at the site, he approached individuals present, including a man claiming to be the business owner and another identifying himself as the Business Administrator, to ask why residents had not been notified. He was informed that a newspaper publication was the only required notice. • He expressed that this method was insufficient and disrespectful to the community. He later confirmed that a notice was published on March 20 but stated it described the business as a “concession stand,” which he believed misrepresented the scope of the operation. • He questioned whether zoning laws were bypassed or misapplied in the approval process. He emphasized that, as a longtime taxpayer, residents deserve respect and direct notification rather than being overlooked. Parker Brown: • He criticized reliance on the Public Laws Act of 1975 for public notice, stating that newspaper publication is outdated and ineffective. • He noted that many residents, including himself, do not read newspapers and therefore were unaware of the decisions surrounding the opening of Rita’s Ice Cream. Page 3 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC • He expressed frustration about living without electricity and asked what the City is doing to help residents reduce utility costs or access assistance. He referenced seeing a woman using drugs near School No. 7 as an example of increasing desperation in the community. • He shared personal experiences and regret, stating that individuals often avoid asking for help until it is too late. • He asked how residents can more effectively communicate with their elected officials, noting that he has only received responses from the Mayor and the Council President. • He requested more accessible and compassionate engagement from councilmembers and City staff. Renee Griggs: • She reported an incident involving an unleashed pit bull that charged at her and Director Ron Rensselaer at Aspen Place. • She stated that when police responded, they dismissed the incident, informing her that the dog was allowed to be unleashed because the rear area was considered a park. • She questioned the zoning classification and sarcastically asked whether the City would be seeking Green Acres funding if it is officially considered a park. • She stated that officers told her she was overreacting because the dog did not bite or injure her. • She noted that the man walking the dog did not live in the complex and that dogs are not permitted on the premises. • She criticized the officers and supervisor for lacking knowledge of the area they patrol and for failing to enforce leash laws. Page 4 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC • She stated that the sergeant responsible for monitoring cameras said he was unavailable to review footage. • She reported that residents of Aspen Place are considering withholding rent and calling for defunding of the police due to dissatisfaction with the response and ongoing safety concerns. Joe Conoscenti: • He asked if the old tennis court at Van Houten Avenue and Passaic Avenue is for sale. • He stated that storm drains at Jefferson and Hoover, and Main Avenue and Henry Street, remain clogged despite recent reports that they had been cleaned. • He raised concern about a new three-family home at 183 Howe Avenue being approved without parking in an already congested neighborhood. • He questioned why election signs for a Newark-based gubernatorial candidate were posted illegally on PSE&G poles within the City. • He expressed frustration about the increasing number of barbershops and smoke shops, asking where the limit is. • He referenced recent shootings on 4th Street and on Main Avenue near Kentucky Fried Chicken, stating he fears violence will escalate as summer approaches. • He requested replacement of a faded stop sign at Lincoln Street and Paulison Avenue due to frequent accidents. • He stated that American flags were hung incorrectly and should be blowing to the left side, especially during Memorial Week. After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Colon-Montanez Page 5 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC and seconded by Council Member Garcia the public portion of the meeting was adjourned. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSENT X X X X X ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING (HEARING IS REQUIRED) Council President Schaer called up for the second and final reading Ordinance entitled: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2483-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DESIGNATION OF RESTRICTED PARKING FOR DISABLED PERSONS BY NJ LICENSE PLATE NUMBER Council Member Schwartz moved a public hearing to be held on Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member Garcia, So Ordered. The Council President then announced that all interested parties would be given an opportunity to be heard for or against the adoption of the Ordinance. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSENT X X X X X After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Colon-Montanez and seconded by Council Member Garcia the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council Member Schwartz moved the ordinance be adopted on second reading and final passage which motion was Page 6 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez and adopted upon a call of the roll. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X COMMUNICATIONS: 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 Mayor Lora’s Youth Council, 330 Passaic Street, submitting an application to hold a 5K run event at Third Ward Park, on May 31, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Rain Date: June 8, 2025) (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Passaic Preparatory Academy, 252 Boulevard, submitting an application to hold a School Picnic at Third Ward Park – Stage Area, on June 18, 2025, from 9:00a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Brothers United in Christ, 60 Summer Street, submitting an application to hold an Outdoor Service at 60 Summer Street (Church Parking Lot) on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from June 1, 2025, through October 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) DMM INN Inc. t/a Foxes Place, submitting an application for a new Entertainment License for the year 2025. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSENT X X X X X On a motion by Council Member Schwartz and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following communications and Page 7 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC petitions were received placed on file and approval granted The Brightstone Hall, 201 Randolph Street, submitting an application to hold a Outdoor bonfire with Music event at 201 Randolph Street, on May 15, 2025 from 7:30p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSTAIN ABSENT X X X X X Council Member Melo stepped down from the dais at 7:50 p.m. 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 Colon-Montanez and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Mayor Hector C. Lora, submitting the following: • Proclamation Honoring the 90th Birthday of Mrs. Muriel Louise Pereira Hunter State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection submitting the following: • Notice re: Soil Remedial Action Permit Application Case Name: Former Briggs Welding; Address: 3848 Delaware Ave.; Municipality: Passaic City; County: Passaic; SRP PI# 514909 Activity Ref. #: RAP 110001 North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, submitting the following: • Minutes of their March 26, 2025 meeting Passaic Valley Water Commission submitting the following: • Minutes of their March 26, 2025 meeting Page 8 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC • Notice rescheduling their May 28, 2025 regular meeting to May 21, 2025 City of Passaic, Division of Engineering submitting the following: • NJDEP Flood Hazard Area Application- General Permit- by-Certification 4 Enhancement of a Riparian Zone through the Planting of Native, Non- Invasive Plant Species – Glenside Avenue Culvert No.1 Infrastructure and Environmental Revitalization Project. City of Passaic, New Jersey 07055-5815 City of Passaic, Planning Board submitting the following • Agenda of their May 7, 2025 meeting City of Passaic, Zoning Board of Adjustments submitting the following • Agenda of their May 13, 2025 meeting Rent Leveling Board of the City of Passaic submitting the following: • Agenda of their May 1, 2025 meeting Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of the City of Passaic submitting the following: • Notice of their May 15, 2025, Meeting Millennium Strategies submitting the Monthly Activity Report for May 2025 ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSENT ABSENT 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. Page 9 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 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 May 12, 2025, meeting ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSENT ABSENT 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 MAY 20, 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 Colon-Montanez and seconded by Council President Schaer the following RESOLUTIONS WERE OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-05-118 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR 2025 NJDOT SAFE STREETS TO TRANSIT PROGRAM AT MULTI- INTERSECTIONS WHEREAS, proposals were received by the Purchasing Director on Thursday, April 24, 2025, for Design and Construction Management Services for 2025 NJDOT Safe Streets to Transit Program at Multiple Intersections; and Page 10 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC 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 WHEREAS, the Evaluation Committee reviewed the proposals received and recommends that the contract for Design and Construction Management Services For 2025 NJDOT Safe Streets to Transit Program at Multi Intersections be awarded to Neglia Group, Lyndhurst, NJ in an amount not to exceed $ 56,162.00. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the contract for Design and Construction Management Services For 2025 NJDOT Safe Streets to Transit Program at Multi Intersections be awarded to Neglia Group, Lyndhurst, NJ in an amount not to exceed $ 56,162.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a contract on a form approved by City Attorney. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in 2025 NJDOT Safe Streets Account # G-02-40-025-DST-020 Page 11 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-05-119 RESOLUTION REJECTING PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR 2025 UEZ ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WHEREAS, proposals were received by the Director of Purchasing on Thursday, April 24, 2025, for Design and Construction Management For 2025 UEZ Road Improvements Project; and WHEREAS, a full list of vendors that downloaded specifications from the City of Passaic’s website can be obtained from the Purchasing Department; and WHEREAS, Yasseen Saad, City Engineer, recommends that the proposals received for Design and Construction Management for the 2025 UEZ Road Improvements Project be rejected for the revision of the specification, and re- advertised. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic, that the proposals for Design and Construction Management for the 2025 UEZ Road Improvements Project be rejected and re-advertised. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-05-120 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS FURNISHING AND DELIVERY OF VARIOUS VACCINES WHEREAS, the City of Passaic solicited Request For Proposals for Furnishing and Delivery of Vaccines for the Health Division; and WHEREAS, proposals were received on March 13, 2025, with no companies responding to the advertisement; and Page 12 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, proposals were again received on March 28, 2025, with no companies responding to the advertisement; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40a;11-5 (3)(a) provides that any contract may be negotiated and awarded by Resolution of the governing body where no bids have been received on both occasions in response to the advertisement; and WHEREAS, the Director of Purchasing has made a reasonable effort to determine that the same goods and services, at a price lower than the negotiated price, are not available from any agency or authority of the United States, the State of New Jersey, the County of Passaic, or any local municipality; and WHEREAS, the terms, conditions, restrictions, and specifications outlined in the negotiated contract are not substantially different from those which were the subject of the original bid document; and WHEREAS, prices were obtained by Doris Dudek, Director of Purchasing; and WHEREAS, the prices obtained were received as follows: GSK, Philadelphia, PA $ 3,237.69 Sanofi, Morristown, NJ $27,652.91 WHEREAS, the City of Passaic wishes to enter into a contract with GSK, Philadelphia, PA for $3,237.69 and Sanofi, Morristown, NJ for $27,652.91 for the Furnishing and Delivery of Vaccines. 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 a contract with GSK, Philadelphia, PA in the amount of $ 3,237.69 and Sanofi, Morristown, NJ in the amount of $27,652.91 for the Furnishing and Delivery of Vaccines. Page 13 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 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 a contract for the above on a form approved by the City Attorney. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Funds for the above are available in Strengthening Health Capacity Grant Account # G-02-40-024-SLC-000 ($18,500.00) and Health Specialty Service Account # 5- 01-27-330-000-028 ($12,390.60) CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-05-121 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF ESTIMATED TAX BILLS WHEREAS, the City of Passaic has determined that the Municipal Tax Collector will be unable to complete the mailing and/or delivery of the 2025 tax bills by June 15, 2025 as required by law, since the City’s tax rate has not yet been certified by the County; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:4-66.2 provides that in the above circumstance the governing body may authorize and direct the Tax Collector to prepare and issue estimated tax bills for the third quarter of 2025, as provided by statute, and such bills must be mailed to tax payers by June 30, 2025; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:4-66.2 also provides that in the event that Estimated Tax Bills are issued, that Reconciled Tax Bills must also be issued for the same tax year by September 30, 2025; WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of Passaic that said authorization be granted; Page 14 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer and the Tax Collector have computed an estimated tax levy in accordance with N.J.S.A. 54:4-66.3 and has attached a certification showing the tax levies for the previous year, the tax rates, and the range of permitted estimated tax levies. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic as follows: 1. The Tax Collector be and hereby is authorized and directed to prepare and issue estimated tax bills for the City of Passaic for the third installment of 2025 taxes, and shall proceed and take such actions as are permitted an required by New Jersey Statutes, specifically N.J.S.A. 54:4-66.2 and 54:4-66.3. 2. The entire estimated tax levy for 2025 is hereby set at $125,420,924.26 and the tax rate is set at $4.233 per $100 of assessed valuation. 3. In accordance with the law, the third installment of 2025 taxes shall not be subject to interest until the later of August 10th, or the twenty-fifth calendar day after the date the estimated tax bills are mailed. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-05-122 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OF PASSAIC TO ENTER INTO 2025 SUMMER YOUTH WORKSITE AGREEMENT WITH PASSAIC COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER WHEREAS, the Passaic County Workforce Development Center (“PCWDC”) is operating the 2025 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (“WIOA”) summer youth program designed to provide basic skills, remediation, vocational exploration and employment opportunities for Page 15 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC eligible Passaic County youth ages sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24); and WHEREAS, the City of Passaic wishes to enter into the attached Work Site Agreement with the PCWDC governing the City’s participation in the 2025 summer youth program; and WHEREAS, the City of Passaic and PCWDC mutually agree to be subject to the terms and conditions of the Work Site Agreement attached hereto; and WHEREAS, the attached Work Site Agreement shall be valid from July 07, 2025 through August 22, 2025. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City of Passaic is hereby authorized to enter into the attached Work Site Agreement for the Passaic County Workforce Development Center’s 2025 summer youth program; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, City Clerk, and Personnel Office are hereby authorized and directed to undertake any and all other necessary actions to effectuate the City’s participation in this program. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-05-123 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PASSAIC ALLIANCE TO RENEW APPLICATION FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (SUD) FEE-FOR- SERVICE (FFS) NETWORK INITIATIVES CONTRACT SFY 2025-2026 WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has announced that renewal applications for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Fee-For-Service (FFS) Network Initiatives Contract for SFY 2025-2026, a contract Page 16 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC period from July 1,2025 through June 30,2027, are now being accepted; and WHEREAS, the application for the SUD FFS contract is for renewal only; and WHEREAS, the Passaic Alliance has had a contract to provide outpatient substance abuse treatment for service initiatives and currently provides substance abuse treatment services on a fee-for-service basis; and WHEREAS, the Passaic Alliance wishes to renew the SUD FFS contract to continue to provide substance abuse treatment, including Passaic County's only full Spanish language outpatient treatment program; and WHEREAS, the DMHAS shall provide reimbursement to the City of Passaic for the services provided in accordance with their fee schedule, which is subject to change based on their final SFY 2025 budget appropriations: Individual Session (1 hour) $94.46 Group Session $27.48 Family Counseling $113.84 Intensive Outpatient $109.38 per diem Case Management $13.32 Urine Drug Screens $8.46 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the Passaic Alliance is hereby authorized to submit an application to renew the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Fee-For-Service (FFS) contract being offered through the State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in order to provide treatment services for clients referred to the City of Passaic through the Driving Under the Influence Initiative (DUII), Drug Court, Mutual Agreement Program State Parole Board (MAP-SPB), New Jersey Statewide Initiative (NJSI) and any other appropriate program; and Page 17 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor, City Clerk and Passaic Alliance are hereby authorized and directed to execute any documents and/or undertake any and all such actions necessary to effectuate the purpose of this Resolution. CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-05-124 RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 25-04-104 (RESOLUTION APPOINTING COMMISSIONERS AND ALTERNATE COMMISSIONERS TO ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT) WHEREAS, Resolution No. 25-04-104 appointed Commissioners to the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Passaic wishes to amend said appointments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the following amendments be made to the individuals are hereby appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment: 1. Rafael Made is hereby appointed as an ALTERNATE Commissioner of the Zoning Board of Adjustment rather than as a permanent member; and 2. David M. Blumenthal is hereby appointed as a PERMANENT Commissioner of the Zoning Board of Adjustment rather than as an alternate member. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms of the appointments shall begin immediately as stated in the original resolution; all other appointments not specifically addressed in this amendment shall remain as originally adopted. This amendment shall take effect immediately upon adoption. Page 18 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSENT ABSENT X X X X Council Member Melo took her seat on the dais at 7:53 p.m. PAYMENT OF BILLS On a motion by Council Member Colon-Montanez and seconded by Council Member Schwartz, the PAYMENT OF BILLS was accepted and approved. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSENT X X X X X MAYOR’S REPORT • Mayor Lora announced the extension of the Myrtle Avenue repaving project from Oak Street through Gregory Avenue. • The continued implementation of the parking painting initiative, which has created additional parking spaces and confirmed the inclusion of bike lanes as part of the roadway improvements. • A new ride program was launched in partnership with the Passaic County Board of Commissioners. The mayor explained the ride program allows residents to call or use an app for pickup within Passaic or the surrounding county, including local grocery stores. This new service differs from the city’s free shuttle by offering flexible pickup locations similar to Uber or Lyft. The initial rides will be free during the launch period, then cost $1 per ride thereafter. He confirmed that the program will be advertised citywide for accessibility Council Member Garcia stepped down from the dais at 7:54 p.m. Page 19 of 20 Passaic City Council Minutes: May 20, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 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 Schwartz and seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez the meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X ABSENT X X ABSENT X X ATTEST: APPROVED: Weatherly Frias, Gary S. Schaer, Municipal Clerk Council President Page 20 of 20