City Council

City of Passaic New Jersey PASSAIC CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION MEETING AGENDA JULY 1, 2025 12:00 P.M. WEATHERLY FRIAS, MUNICIPAL CLERK, READ THE FOLLOWING NOTICE INTO RECORD: GOOD AFTERNOON, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC WE WELCOME YOU TO THE JULY 1, 2025, RE ORGANIZATION MEETING IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 231 PUBLIC LAWS OF 1975, ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED VIA FAX TO THE HERALD NEWS AND PUBLISHED ON JUNE 18, 2025; SAID NOTICE WAS PLACED ON THE CITY HALL BULLETIN BOARD BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK. PURSUANT TO THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT, BE ADVISED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC HAS SCHEDULED THEIR RE-ORGANIZATION MEETING FOR TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025, AT 12:00 P.M. TO BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, FIRST FLOOR, 330 PASSAIC STREET, PASSAIC, NEW JERSEY IN PERSON PLEASE BE FURTHER ADVISED THIS PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON. THE ZOOM STREAM PROVIDED IS FOR VIEWING ONLY AND IS OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC AS A CONVENIENCE ON JUNE 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 Councilman- Councilman- Councilwoman Councilman Councilwoman Councilman Councilma Elect Elect Colon- Munk Melo Mayer n Schaer Love Garcia Montanez X X X X X X X ALSO PRESENT: Hector C. Lora, Mayor; Ricardo Fernandez, Business Administrator; Susie Burns, City Attorney Invocation was rendered by Council Member Melo followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 “We are now at the portion of the agenda where I, as Municipal Clerk, will read the official Statement of Determination that was submitted to the Honorable Danielle Ireland-Imhof, Passaic County Clerk, certifying the results of the Municipal Election held on May 13, 2025.” STATEMENT OF DETERMINATION OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON MAY 13, 2025 OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO MAYOR HECTOR C. LORA OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO COUNCIL MEMBERS ELECT JOSE “JOE” GARCIA DR. TERRENCE L. LOVE DANIEL S. MAYER NOMINATIONS AND SEATING OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT Gary S. Schaer NOMINATIONS FOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-07-148 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR A ONE YEAR TERM TO COMMENCE ON JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026 On a motion by Council Member Colon-Montanez and seconded by Council Member Love the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION Page 2 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City Council designates Councilperson Gary S. Schaer as the City Council President for a one (1) year term, said term to commence on July 1, 2025 and to terminate on June 30, 2026. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Followed by comments from the City Council. Council President Schaer called for a five-minute recess. On a motion by Council Member Mayer and seconded by Council Member Garcia the council meeting was reconvened at 1:21 p.m. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X 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. Page 3 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 Minnie Hiller: • Thanked the Mayor and Council for her appointment as Deputy Mayor of Veterans Affairs. • Shared encouragement received from the Mayor and her pastor to accept the role. • Spoke about feeling welcomed and supported by the City Council and Sheriff. • Noted her long-standing personal and professional relationship with Mayor Moore. • Discussed experiences in Trenton and recognition from veterans. • Emphasized the importance of understanding PTSD and veterans’ coping behaviors. • Commended Mayor Lora for acknowledging challenges veterans face after returning home. • Shared an example of the Mayor and his wife ensuring food was provided at a veterans’ event. • Stated that issues affecting veterans stem from lack of understanding, not from the Council. • Reaffirmed her commitment to serve despite health challenges. • Expressed trust in the Mayor and Council and her willingness to continue working together. Evelyn T. Robinson: • Introduced herself and noted wearing blue in honor of her military-connected family. • Shared discovering her father’s burial site through Ancestry.com and visiting on Father’s Day. • Explained the meaning of “Auxiliary” as families of those who have served or are serving. • Identified multiple family members with military service. • Congratulated Mayor Lora and re-elected officials. • Encouraged continued use of social media to keep residents informed. • Praised the Mayor’s respectful engagement with public comments. • Highlighted the importance of transparency and communication in local government. • Commended the City’s respect and support for veterans and their families. • Mentioned attending a town hall with Senator Cory Booker to advocate for veterans. • Stated that veterans should not face homelessness, food insecurity, or lack of medical care. • Thanked the Mayor, administration, and staff for supporting veterans and inspiring future service. • Concluded with gratitude to all elected officials and offered a blessing. After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Love and Page 4 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 seconded by Council Member Garcia the public portion of the meeting was adjourned. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X ANNUAL RESOLUTIONS On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-07-149 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS FOR THE YEAR STARTING JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026 BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City Council hereby designates the North Jersey Herald News; The Record; El Especial/Especialito; Poder Latino USA as Official Newspapers for the City of Passaic, which newspapers are authorized to publish legal advertisements. The City Clerk shall retain the right to select which newspapers shall receive said advertisements in accordance with the law. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X On a motion by Council President Schaer and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION Page 5 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-07-150 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC FOR THE YEAR JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026 BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the City Council hereby designates: COUNCIL MEMBER Maritza Colon-Montanez The City Council’s representative to the Planning Board of the City of Passaic for a one (1) year term, said to commence on July 1, 2025, and to terminate on June 30, 2026. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X On a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the following RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION CITY OF PASSAIC RESOLUTION NO. 25-07-151 RESOLUTION APPOINTING COMMISSIONER TO THE PASSAIC REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. (JULY 1, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026) WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Passaic has, by Ordinance 1515-01 created the Passaic Redevelopment Agency in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A: 12 (a) – 11; and, Page 6 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 WHEREAS, there shall be seven commissioners of the Redevelopment Agency, which shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council consistent with N.J.S.A. 40A; 12(a)-11; and, WHEREAS, the Mayor has appointed Daniel Schwartz for a term commencing July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Passaic that the Council Consents to the appointments of Daniel Schwartz for a term commencing July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING (HEARING IS REQUIRED) Council President Schaer called up for the second and final reading Ordinance entitled: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2484-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC, CHAPTER 295, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” ARTICLE XVI, “BUS STOPS,” SECTION 38 “LOCATIONS” TO RELOCATE BUS STOP ON BROADWAY Council Member Colon-Montanez 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 Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Love and Page 7 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council Member Love moved the ordinance be adopted on second reading and final passage which motion was seconded by Council Member Garcia and adopted upon a call of the roll. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council President Schaer called up for the second and final reading Ordinance entitled: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2485-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC, CHAPTER 295 “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” PART 10 “RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS,” ARTICLE XXI “RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS” Council Member Garcia moved a public hearing to be held on Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez, So Ordered. The Council President then announced that all interested parties would be given an opportunity to be heard for or against the adoption of the Ordinance. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Munk the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Page 8 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council Member Love moved the ordinance be adopted on second reading and final passage which motion was seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez and adopted upon a call of the roll. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council President Schaer called up for the second and final reading Ordinance entitled: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2486-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DESIGNATION OF RESTRICTED PARKING FOR DISABLED PERSONS BY NJ LICENSE PLATE NUMBER Council Member Garcia moved a public hearing to be held on Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez, So Ordered. The Council President then announced that all interested parties would be given an opportunity to be heard for or against the adoption of the Ordinance. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Munk and seconded by Council Member Love the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Page 9 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 Council Member Munk moved the ordinance be adopted on second reading and final passage which motion was seconded by Council Member Love and adopted upon a call of the roll. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council President Schaer called up for the second and final reading Ordinance entitled: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2487-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 49, THE SALARY OF THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC (PROPOSED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT SCHAER) Council President Schaer moved a public hearing to be held on Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member Love, 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 Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Garcia and seconded by Council Member Love the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council Member Love moved the ordinance be adopted on second reading and final passage which motion was seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez and adopted upon a call of the roll. Page 10 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council President Schaer called up for the second and final reading Ordinance entitled: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2488-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 99, "CARNIVALS, BAZAARS AND FAIRS," OF THE CITY OF PASSAIC CODE TO REVISE FIRE INSPECTION FEES AND PROPANE/GENERATOR DEVICE FEES Council Member Love moved a public hearing to be held on Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member Colon- Montanez, So Ordered. The Council President then announced that all interested parties would be given an opportunity to be heard for or against the adoption of the Ordinance. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Munk and seconded by Council Member Mayer the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council Member Mayer moved the ordinance be adopted on second reading and final passage which motion was seconded by Council Member Munk and adopted upon a call of the roll. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez Page 11 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 X X X X X X X Council President Schaer called up for the second and final reading Ordinance entitled: CITY OF PASSAIC ORDINANCE NO. 2489-25 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 102, CLOTHING BINS Council Member Colon-Montanez moved a public hearing to be held on Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member Love, 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 Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X After ample opportunity given and no one else responding, on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Munk the public portion of the meeting was closed. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Council Member Love moved the ordinance be adopted on second reading and final passage which motion was seconded by Council President Schaer and adopted upon a call of the roll. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer Garcia CP Schaer Montanez X X X X X X X Page 12 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS On a motion by Council Member Munk and seconded by Council Member Colon-Montanez the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Amigos Colombianos de Passaic Inc., 135 Summer Street, submitting an application to hold a Festival on July 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Third Ward Park (Band Shell) (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Graciella Romero, 34 Vineyard Place, submitting an application to hold their 2nd Annual 4th of July Block Party, on July 5, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) Entre Pisco & Nazca Gastrobar Corp. t/a Destino Gastro Bar, 570 Main Avenue submitting an application for a new Entertainment License for the year 2025. (Contingent Upon Departmental Approvals) ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Mayer 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 Munk and seconded by Council Member Love the following communications and petitions were received placed on file and approval granted Mayor Hector C. Lora, submitting the following: • Memorandum reappointing Chaim Munk to the Redevelopment Agency term to commence July 1, 2025, and expire June 30, 2026. • Memorandum appointing Daniel Schwartz to the Planning Board for a term to commence July 1, 2025, and expire June 30, 2026. Page 13 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 • Memorandum appointing Bernice Vasquez to the Planning Board as Class IV Commissioner, term to commence immediately and expire June 30, 2027. Planning Board of the City of Passaic, submitting the following: • Agenda of their July 2, 2025 meeting. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, submitting the following: • Agenda of their June 12, 2025 meeting RESOLUTIONS: THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS TAKEN OFF THE AGENDA RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PASSAIC ON PASSAIC ON JULY 1, 2025, AT 7:00 PM OR ANYTIME THEREAFTER TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION, CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS MAYOR’S REPORT • Mayor Lora congratulated elected and re-elected council members Mayer, Love and Garcia. • He welcomed new council member Mayer and congratulated Council President Schaer on his continued role. • Light-hearted remarks about council dynamics, including Councilman Munk’s fiscal questions and Councilwoman Maritza Colon Montanez’s reactions to her full name. • He commended Council President Schaer’s dedication, balancing responsibilities in Trenton, Bergen, and Passaic Counties while remaining active at city events and meetings. • He thanked all council members and staff for their ongoing work and weekly collaboration. • Mayor Lora announced upcoming events: o 4th of July Fireworks at Pulaski Park o Family Campout on July 19 Page 14 of 15 Passaic City Council Re-Organization Meeting July 1, 2025 Approved: December 16, 2025 o Summer festivals in city wards, including Third Ward Memorial Park • He mentioned plans to take a family vacation in August. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, on a motion by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Garcia the meeting was adjourned at 1:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Colon- Munk Love Melo Schwartz Garcia CP Schaer Montanez ABSENT X X X X X X ATTEST: APPROVED: Weatherly Frias, Gary S. Schaer, Municipal Clerk Council President Page 15 of 15