Council - Regular Meeting

Not yet, Rafael. Good evening, everyone. Good evening, everyone. On behalf of the Patterson Municipal Council, I welcome you to the regular meeting on June 9th at 7 p.m. The meeting is now called to order. Madam Clerk, can you please read the statement of compliance and do roll call? Roll call, Madam Clerk.

Councilwoman Cotton. Vice president Davila president. Councilman Jackson absent councilman colleague president.

Councilman Mendez good to be a pass on pressing but it's our country.

Councilman Omar leaving Patterson president.

Councilman Dean is absent at this time Councilman the less is absent at this time Council president means.

Here madam clerk. CAN YOU PLEASE READ THE STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE?

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT, NJSA 10-4-6, ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING OF THE PATTERSON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL HAS BEEN PROVIDED. NOTICE OF THE TIME AND PLACE WAS INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AT ITS REORGANIZATION MEETING HELD ON OR ABOUT July 1, 2025, and subsequently revised. Such notice was posted in a public place at the City Hall's Bulletin Board, transmitted to the official newspapers designated to receive such notices, and filed with the Office of the Clerk in addition to any other publication duly requesting such notices.

can at this time on tonight we will have rendering our prayer reverend felicia wise followed by a flag salute by councilman alex mendez in that order everyone please stand

Let us look to the Lord. Most gracious Father, we come before your throne this evening. We're asking you, Father, to be in the midst of us. We're thanking you, Lord, because you've never left us wanting. You never left us without supplying our needs. So, Lord, we ask as you're in this meeting this evening that you do just that. Touch the hearts and minds of all those who are gathered here. Lord, let us be on one accord. Let us speak peacefully one to another. Lord, let every council member feel your presence as they do the work of this city, this great city called Paterson. We need you now, Lord, like never before. Take everything, every need, every desire. Take every want, Father God. Place it in the hollow of your hands, Lord, and minister to your people through the provisions that you will provide based on what comes out of this meeting. We ask that you will touch the mayor, touch his heart, touch his mind, God. Lord, let him lead this city in a way that would please you. Lord, as long as you are pleased, we can go forward. We ask, Lord, everything that we do in this meeting tonight be done to your glory. In the blessed name of Jesus, we pray and we say thank you always, Father, and amen. Amen. Amen.

Please remain standing.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Please remain standing for a moment of silence for our troops, our widows, anyone that has lost a loved one. Thank you, you might be seated. Madam Clerk, consent agenda. Consent agenda madam clerk all matters

All matters listed under the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the council and will be enacted by one motion. The items listed under the consent agenda are numbers two through 17. Any item may be removed from the consent agenda by the request of any council member, and if so removed, will be treated as a separate matter. So moved.

So moved.

Moved by Council Vice President Dablas, seconded by Mendez and Omar. Roll call on item of consent agenda, Madam Clerk.

Councilwoman cotton. Council vice president Davila yes. Councilman colleague, yes. Councilman Mendez, yes, but for Councilman Omar, yes, not for president Mims, yes, madam clerk.

All items are adopted item number 26, madam clerk.

ITEM NUMBER 26 IS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF LEASE AGREEMENT AND USE OF GRANT FUNDS BETWEEN THE CITY OF PATTERSON AND CHRISTOPHER ASSOCIATES 2020 LLC FOR PREMIS LOCATED AT 60 TEMPLE STREET. THIS IS FROM POLICE. THIS IS RESOLUTION 26-296. SO MOVED.

SO MOVED.

MOVED BY COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT DAVLA MEMS AND COTTON. SECOND BY MENDEZ AND COUNCILMAN OMAR KALIK. ROLL CALL ON ITEM NUMBER 26, MADAM CLERK.

Councilwoman Kahn. Council Vice President Davila. Yes. Councilman Khaliq.

Yes.

Councilman Omar. Councilman Mendez.

My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Omar.

My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

president Mims.

Congratulations will be having our second recreation center. Thank you so much for police department, the tennis and he said. Item number 27. Item 20. Can we take item number one.

Item one is the payment of bills.

No, I'm sorry, the ordinance reading. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. The ordinance on first reading. This is ordinance amending Patterson code section 4, 0, 7, dash 18 addressing sewer use charges which have not been adjusted for inflation since 2021 and this is from the administration.

So moved moved by Council president Mims and the P Davila and second by Council McCarty roll call item of the 1st ordinance reading.

Councilman con. Vice president that a lot. Councilman colleague.

Yes for the first reading.

Councilman Mendez. Councilman Omar yes, but for president Mims yes. This item has been adopted on thank you reading item 27, madam clerk.

Item 27.

Item 27 is a resolution authorizing submission of a grant application and agreement for state aid under the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund 2027 resurfacing. This is from Public Works, Resolution 26, 297.

Second.

Moved by Council Vice President Davila, second by Councilman Khalid and Velez. Roll call on item 27, Madam Clerk. Councilwoman Cotton.

Vice president Davila, yes. Councilman colleague, yes. Councilman Mendez. Councilman Omar, yes, about clerk. Councilman the last.

Thank you, but thank you, madam clerk president, I'm sorry, yes.

President man, yes, not for sight of this year by adopted item number 28 man apart. Item number 28 is a resolution authorizing change orders number one and 2 for the redevelopment of the new public safety dispatch center and one 6, 3 dash 1, 6, 7, Pennsylvania Avenue, Patterson, New Jersey, this has been number 25.07 for the engineering division of Department of Public Works will move more like Council. Resolution 26, 298. So moved.

Moved by Councilman Velez and Davila, second by Council President Mims. Roll call on item 28, Madam Clerk.

Councilwoman Cotton. Vice President Davila. Yes. Councilman Kalik.

Yes.

Councilman Mendez.

Yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Omar. Yes, Madam Clerk. Councilman Velez.

Yes, Madam Clerk.

President men's yes.

Item is adopted item 29 at a court.

Item number 29 is a resolution authorizing a 4th contract amendment. The proposed new communication center for the division of engineering of the Department of Public Works resolution 26 colon 2, 9, 9, so move more by Council.

Vice president of the second by Council member Les and Omar roll call item 29 at a court.

Councilman cotton. Vice president Davila yes. Councilman colleague, yes. Councilman Mendez yes, but. Councilman Omar yes, but for. Councilman the land, yes, but a clerk president men, yes, this item is adopted.

Item number 30 matter part.

item 30 is resolution authorizing the award of contract to Smith so in the asphalt construction Corp Inc for the 2026 CDB G road resurfacing program bid number 26.19 for an amount not to exceed 920,000 961 50 cents for the engineering division of the Department of Public Works so we'll move right now 26 300.

Moved by Councilman Mendez, seconded by Councilman Velez and Omar. Roll call on item number 30, Madam Clerk.

Councilwoman Cotton.

Yes.

Vice President Davila.

I am voting on public work to resolution 26, 300. My vote is yes. Councilman Colleague.

Yes.

Councilman Mendez.

Yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Omar.

Yes.

Councilman the last just want to say thank you to the Department of Public Works and the direct the sea of. The development to be able to move this forward and use the city the money for the role resurfacing my vote is yes.

President Mims my vote is yes, madam clerk.

This item is here by adopted item number 25, madam clerk. Item number 25.

The resolution under part of the one second welcome back to the item because we need to welcome back to that. Let's do item. No, no, no, we don't need him for that just he's coming. We could do item number 19.

Item 19 is a resolution establishing a sister city relationship between the city of Patterson and Santa Cruz and that.

Council president may I please that you need that one comes across a cut CP to come can we leave I want to leave this one also for she could come in and vote. She's here. Okay, all right.

Resolution 19 is establishing a sister city relationship between the city of Patterson, New Jersey and Santa Cruz, the Barahona and Barahona, Providence, Dominican Republic, sponsored by Councilman Velez. This is Resolution 26, 286. So moved. Second.

Moved by Councilman Velez, second by VP Davila, Councilman Mendez and Mims. Roll call on item number 19, Madam Clerk.

Councilwoman Cotton. Vice president of the month. Councilman colleague, yes. Council and then does yes, but look. Councilman Omar, yes, the clerk. Councilman the land.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. I just want to give a little note here that this year, 37th anniversary of the Filet Dominicano of New Jersey is going to be celebrating 37th anniversary, but this time they're going to dedicate the parade to a province out by the owner. So, for now... let's start the festivities and making sure that everybody is on the same track that we are going to receive a group of dignitaries from baron i would like my council man uh a large uh not large sorry third ward mr uh mendez councilwoman mims and councilwoman oh everybody here in the council to join me to prepare that together to receive this delegation coming from Dominican Republic that we are team when we work together we represent the city the right way and also the ministration have to join in to receive that didn't carry from but I want to the minute report so saying that my what is yes.

President and my vote is yes, madam clerk. Items here by adopted item, 25, madam clerk.

Item 25 is a resolution under Patterson code chapter one 29 bazaars addressing a license for New Jersey proving think to conduct a festival resolution 26 call in 2, 9, 5, second second by Council president Council vice president that was second by Council president Mims Councilman colleague Councilman the last roll call item 20 a councilman caught and sorry leading lady broke.

I have you can spend this and Councilman Omar roll call item 25.

Councilwoman kind. Vice president that you know, yes.

Councilman colleague looking forward to the event. My vote is yes.

Councilman Mendez.

But what is just one o'clock. Councilman Omar this is something I always look forward to my vote is yes.

Councilman the lens.

This is something that we all prove and we all support this is a of festival application and the good thing is that this year they could be celebrating the whole month starting on Sunday the 27 with a flag raising here in city Hall and that's THE GOOD THING OF CULTURE, THAT'S A GOOD THING TO CELEBRATE TOGETHER. SO QUE VIVA EL PERU. AND I JUST WANT TO REMIND THE PERUVIAN COMMUNITY THAT WE SUPPORT THE PERUVIAN COMMUNITY. WHEN WE WORKSHOP AND WE ASK QUESTIONS, IT'S NOTHING AGAINST THE ORGANIZATION. WE WANT TO DO IT TO BE TRANSPARENT FROM THIS SIDE AND THAT SIDE. BUT YOU ALWAYS GO TO HAVE THE SUPPORT FROM THIS COUNCIL, ESPECIALLY FROM ME AS A COUNCILMAN OF THE FIFTH WARD. MY VOTE IS YES.

President Mims.

My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

This item is hereby adopted.

Item number 20, Madam Clerk.

ITEM NUMBER 20 IS A RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DEBRA JOY ABMA, ALEGRA, AND HER COMMITMENT TO THE CHILDREN IN THE CITY OF PATTERSON. THIS IS SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN COTTON, PRESIDENT MIMS, AND COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT DAVILA, COSPONSORED BY ALL REMAINING COUNCIL MEMBERS. RESOLUTION 26, 290.

I'm low.

That's a second move by Council on when the car and second by Council president and the P Davila Councilman Mendez and the last roll call on item number 20, madam clerk.

We can't keep up with the names of the so much time to my name, they can't fit in and yet.

Well, I can't believe in time.

She could have I'm so sorry, madam clerk, thank you so much, but I just want to do this resolution for my neighbor. uh... who have lived in my in the fourth ward our ward the city of pass and probably over fifty years she completely she will walk the neighborhoods all the time this is the wife to reverend john algae um... they lived in a fourth ward they um... they were pastors she was pastors at madison madison reform church on madison avenue and tenth avenue um... she passed away but she was also a daycare director and she was also first lady of the church so i just wanted to honor her because she's always in the community always walking in the community you can always see her on 10th avenue you can always see her on 12th avenue you can always see her on 11th avenue so i wanted to recognize her as she always took care of children children was part of her life and i just wanted to recognize her living in the fourth ward for over 60 years with that being said madam clerk my vote is yes

Vice president, I mean my vote is yes. Councilman coming.

Yes.

Councilman and then what is just going to go. Councilman Omer my vote is yes, madam clerk Councilman the land.

If my name don't fit put LV is easy to scale up in issues. My word is yes.

president man, so the Alvarez have been my neighbors all of my life and to her husband if he's watching I went to Madison have camp across the street from school 21 when I was a kid, but I want to thank miss Alvarez. She will never be forgotten for praying and walking all over the city to pray for everyone by herself most of the time my vote is yes, madam clerk. This item is hereby adopted item 24, madam clerk.

I am 24 is a resolution authorizing calendar year 2026 emergency temporary appropriations for June and July of 2026 resolution 26 calling to 9, 4, 0, 0, 0, by Council of vice president that was second by Councilman the last roll call item number 20.

20 format of court Councilman time.

VICE PRESIDENT DAVILA YES COUNCILMAN KALIK YES COUNCILMAN OMAR YES COUNCILMAN VALLEZ SORRY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT FOR THE CITY MOVE FORWARD TEMPORARY BUDGET IS TO MOVE FORWARD OUR RESPONSIBILITY, FIRST OF ALL, WE'RE ALL OUR FIRST RESPONDER. SECOND, ALL THE CITY EMPLOYEES, INSURANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CITY MOVES FORWARD IN THE FINANCIAL PART OF IT. WE NEED TO DO THIS. THIS IS IMPORTANT. THAT IS WHAT I CALL RESPONSIBLE LEGISLATION. STEPPING UP WHERE REALLY THE ADMINISTRATION NEED OUR HELP TO MOVE THE CITY FORWARD. SO SAYING THAT, MY VOTE IS YES.

And president in my vote is just not a clerk.

6 yeses this item passes item 23, madam clerk. Item 23 is a resolution to approve a corrective action plan in response to an audit received for the 2023 calendar year. This is a resolution 26 colon 2, 9, 3.

SECOND MOVE BY COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT DAVILA SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MEMS ROLE CALL DISCUSSION. DISCUSSION COUNCILMAN VELEZ.

THROUGH THE CHAIR OF CFO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN IN RESPOND TO ORDER RECEIVED ON 4-20-23 CALENDAR YEAR. WE ONLY HAD THE RESOLUTION HERE. I DON'T SEE THE CORRECTING PLAN IN THE BACK.

It was in the workshop. Yeah, it was in the workshop. It's on the laptop. It's in your workshop tablet, and it was in the workshop. The full packet was attached.

Oh, I'm sorry. I just went through eye surgery. I didn't saw it. All right. That's right. So, you know... CFO I going to give you the benefit of the doubt that everything is here because the completion within 2025 and 2023 so hopefully we we in the right I THOUGHT SOMEBODY PULLED THE FIRE ALARM. THAT WAS A MISTAKE. ALL RIGHT. SO SAYING THAT, HOPEFULLY THAT EVERYTHING HERE IS CORRECTED AND ALL MOVING FORWARD TO BE ABLE TO BE ALIGNED WITH DCA AND WHATEVER WE NEED. THANK YOU.

ROLL CALL, MADAM CLERK.

COUNCILWOMAN COTTON. Councilman Colleague?

Yes.

Councilman Omar?

Yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Velez?

Yes, Madam Clerk.

President Mims?

Yes, Madam Clerk.

8456, this item passes.

Item number 22, Madam Clerk.

ITEM 22 IS A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR UP TO THREE MONTHS FOR THE THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF PATTERSON RFP NUMBER 2021-10 FINANCE DEPARTMENT FROM JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 45,500 RESOLUTION 26-292.

Some of the second move by Councilman colleagues second by Council president Mims and Councilman Omar roll call on item 22, madam clerk. Councilwoman cotton.

Vice president Davila. Councilman colleague, yes. Councilman Omar, yes. Councilman the last.

Yes.

President men's yes. This item is adopted item number 18, madam clerk. Item number 18 is a resolution honoring and the Ford you didn't Councilman at large for his services and contributions to the city of Patterson this is sponsored by all Council members and his resolution 26 calling to 8 8.

SO MOVE.

MOVED BY COUNCILMAN VELEZ AND COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT DAVILA. SECOND BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MIMS AND COUNCILMAN OMAR. ROLL CALL ON ITEM 18, MADAM CLERK.

COUNCILWOMAN COTTON.

SORRY, THANK YOU. Okay, okay. Okay. This is a resolution honoring our councilman union for his dedication his service to the city of Patterson I want to wish him well You know He would actually he really it was a good council person he young I know he always be in office with me at night time, 8 o'clock, 9 o'clock at night, 10 o'clock at night. He would be here. So I want to wish him well, Councilman Uden. With that being said, and this is a resolution honoring him. With that being said, Madam Clerk, my vote is yes.

Vice President Davila.

Okay.

I'm sure that although no longer after June 30th, he'll be elected, I know he'll remain active as he is a teacher in our Patterson Public Schools. We wish you well, and we look forward to continuing working together. My vote is yes.

Councilman Khaliq?

My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Mendez?

Thank you for your service. Councilman Fariduddin, my vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Omar that want to thank Councilman Dean for all the hard work he's done the past 4 years. Thank you for your service. I'm going to say this is not farewell is just goodbye for now my vote is yes.

Councilman the lens.

Thank you madam clerk. For 4 years he said next to me. For 4 year. I HAD A GOOD FRIENDSHIP WITH HIM. WE COULD AGREE, DISAGREE, BUT HE WAS A HUMBLE INDIVIDUAL WHEN HE WAS SITTING HERE. SO, COUNCILMAN HUENING, DON'T STOP DOING WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO. KEEP ON DOING, OH, KEEP ON WORKING WITH THE YOUTH. KEEP ON WORKING WITH THE YOUTH. AND KEEP ON WORKING WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO, TEACHING. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, don't stop patrolling our streets. He did a great job doing and going through block by block, checking poles, potholes, all that stuff. That was an active councilman out there. And one of the things I admire from him is that he brought a lot of youth to his team. And to the Council and fulfill a lot of things that he want to do as a councilman and I always got to remember his humble he's always been humble sitting in this seat so saying that I'm not going to say the good retire we are here on our service and your contribution. As a councilman as a security leader in the city of Paterson so saying that man and clerk my vote is yes.

Councilman Jackson were on item number 3rd 18.

President men's thank you for your service. We have a plaque if he comes into the meeting at some point tonight we will present the plaque to him. Madam clerk my vote is yes 6, 7, 8, this item is adopted item number 21, madam clerk.

21 is a resolution appointing Jays a brew as a commissioner of the Patterson housing authority this is sponsored by Councilman the last resolution 26 call in 2, 9, 1, so both second move by Councilman the last second by Council vice president of the land men's roll call on item 21, madam clerk. Councilwoman cotton. Vice president Davila.

Before I vote, I do want to say, Jace, you have been around for quite some time. You did serve as our planning board commissioner at one point. You've ran for office. Unfortunately, not successful. But you remained present, and that's what's very important, involved. And I'm looking forward to continuing working with you and your family as well and your entire team. My vote is yes. And Councilman Velez, thank you very much for acknowledging and appointing him. My vote is yes.

Councilman Jackson.

No.

Councilman Khaliq.

My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Mendez.

Yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Omar.

I'd like to congratulate Jason Bray and wish him the best of luck. My vote is yes.

Councilman Velez.

After offering this position to several individuals, I decided to go this route. After the conversation I had with him, seeing that he's a humble individual, a man of God, and has a great family, and I think he deserves a chance to serve this capacity. So thank you for the colleagues that supported this. Looking forward to work with him. AND HIS MAIN GOAL IS TO WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY IN THE POSITION AS A HOUSING AUTHORITY COMMISSIONER. SO CONGRATULATION TO YOU, COMMISSIONER JAYS-ABRELE. MY VOTE IS YES.

PRESIDENT MIMS. CONGRATULATIONS, COMMISSIONER JAYS. MY VOTE IS YES. MADAM CLERK.

THIS ITEM IS HEREBY ADOPTED. Yes.

Council Jackson.

I want to readjust my vote one. And then I have a question for you as well, Madam Clerk. First of all, I mean, this is very unusual. I don't want to sit here and vote no on a person without giving an absolute reason. Patterson housing authorities been as I've said the last several months been the worst thing that's happened to this community. They've let this community down. Patterson housing 30 has just specifically. Let the black community down with regard to the conditions that's going on here. The conditions in our community with these orbit rents the turning over properties to private developers on behalf of of those who are in doubt with. the graces of the benefit. But more importantly, I don't see anything in this resume that shows anything that has any experience with regard to public housing. We appoint people because they run for office. We appoint people because they, man, people of God. We appoint people for all the wrong reasons. And this is part of the reason why there's an acute failure in our city. It is an acute failure. Now, no disrespect to Jace. I'm sure it is a talent that he has, but public housing is not one that I see. He may have something that I'm unaware of, but this right here, I would no longer continue to just support items such as this. Madam Clerk, my vote is no.

Okay, seven yeses, one no, one absent. This item is adopted.

Item number one, Madam Clerk. Item number one is the payment of bills know I don't want is resolution.

I'm sorry resolution number one. We have a public hearing resolution it authorizing an application to the to say County open space farmland and historic preservation trust fund for the Patterson Eastside Park fitness area improvement project.

This is from the administration resolution 26 calling 2, 7, 1, so move by Councilman Mendes and Councilwoman double a second by the leds and men's roll call item number one that of course. Public hearing is have a fire. So you don't want to close this one. So good. It's Francis for the fitness and one second. This is an application this doesn't require public.

It requires the public hearing, I believe based on a memo from I think that we need to from the county and where they apply for the open space for things but right.

We have one speaker miss Francis Harrison.

I'm sorry, hold on one moment. I think the mic is on.

There we go.

Good evening, everyone. Francis Harrison. I see that this is an application about a fitness area improvement. And I also understand that the barn that has been 20 years renovated under the historical preservation, I'm hoping that the city is looking at that. to do something with that barn because it's been 20 years of us asking the side neighborhood Association 2.0 asking for the barn to be used as a community center. And I understand that that was something that was brought up so this exercise thing the sense is that we keep going for these frivolous things that are the community is asking, like I said, for 20 plus years. So it is okay that you guys are I'll say wasting some more money, but anyway, I hope that the bar is going to be a part of this eventually down the road where the community to use this for 20 years ago that barn was renovated by Eastside neighborhood Association where we were able to get a national recognition as a historical barn and it's being used it has been trashed. it's being used as storage by dpw and if it's true and it's going to come to tuition because things come up and then who knows where it ends up at but esna is very happy that they have decided to look at the barn and hopefully it will come to tuition and we appreciate that thank you thank you next speaker madam clerk mr dave gilmore

Kindly just that your first and last name please for the deal more.

I want to preempt my speaking for the public speaking portion, but I think sitting here and hearing that you're going to do something with the set Park. Requires money to say something in the absence of others the bathroom is next. It is the most terrible. infectious looking place you have ever been it's dirty nasty and i i would hope that in the in in the funds you would find a way to sanitize it some kind of way so that it remains clean longer than it does because it is terrible happened to be up there a couple weeks ago doing an interview with someone and had to use the facility and it was just true. I would hope that to do something that not only that but when you look at some of these other parts in places for a rest rest areas, you know facilities very much lacking as you move in the city forward.

thank you there are no more speakers madam clerk move to close second move by councilman velez second by councilman mendez roll call to close the public hearing for item number one council member cotton vice president davila yes councilman jackson councilman colleague yes councilman mendez yes councilman omar yes councilman velez yes madam clerk President men, yes to close the public hearing public hearing is now closed roll call item number one that occur. Discussion Councilman Jackson.

Council president is to be a chair. Are you is there any other applications we have for for open space.

This to be a.

This cycle we put forward the project before you. The horse barn was put forward to the county for consideration and a stabilization effort for the Van Hatton House at Westside were the three put forward. Unfortunately, the county did not go for the horse barn this time around, but this one and a stabilization of the Van Houten House that suffered a fire a couple years ago are two that will be moving forward. So this is one of those. The other which you speak about is on this agenda? That is not on this agenda, no. How much is it for? I want to say 250 we have $250,000 from a state historic preservation grant and the county will match that with 250 from their historic preservation on the House. And that will stabilize the roof and then create a flat roof, it will fix the aesthetics and then we can think about the future of stabilizing that historic home.

So the projected cost to do stabilization is $500,000?

$500,000 yes that's the projected cost but that's you know that'll that'll come out when when we actually solicit bids and all that but yes so we're guessing that maybe it might be 500 000 but we haven't even gone out to bid yet that is true for every single open space grant we go for an engineer does an estimate we put in for that grant and then we go out to bid

I'm wondering is it similar to what's going on at the on Pennsylvania Avenue right now we approve 10 million dollars and they go back in for 2.2. So I'm trying to figure out what one might issue my underlying issue in this is to the community is that In 26, the Passaic County Open Space Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund grant awarded $3.7 million in grants. We're approving $250,000, of which he's saying another $250,000 is being outlined for another project that presumably is we're being told cost $500,000 to stabilize, which we know. The place is completely burned down. We haven't clearly projected any projects that have come under the projected expenditure amount. My issue is me I obviously is not directly with you. On this particular matter, Mister BA but it is with the members of the public 3.7 million dollars and all the improvements that we did in all these parts and all we all we can get approved this $250,000. This is about the best that the county can do for the seat, the county seat, and all of the support that we give these county elected officials during the election, all we can get is $250,000. Well, I don't need to be told I'm right. Most times I take up an argument, I know I'm right going in. What I'm trying to do is open the eyes of not only the public, but potentially people I sit next to. This is an embarrassment. the the amount of need that we have with the only municipality within the county that's on transitional a we're requesting close to eighty million dollars in transition to be we doing we constantly prepare parts of celebrating openings of parts we have free money that the county has available for everybody else but we get two hundred fifty thousand dollars one congratulate you and uh... such a job role for madam clerk

Roll call on the adoption of this resolution Councilwoman cotton.

Number one. Council got an open space application for Patterson East Park fitness area.

Okay, I know we have gotten more than 250,000 I'm going to look it up to make sure but with that being said my vote is yes.

Vice president Davila. And you are very correct Councilwoman Kahn. We've received throughout the years many, much more than $250,000 from our open space fund. My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Jackson.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. But how much? How much? two hundred fifty thousand a year when a given out on average three point seven million dollars a year throughout all the other community uh... municipalities in the county and we get two hundred fifty thousand dollars i mean you know this is not really to the to the members of sitting next to me this is to the voters this is to all you voters who are die hard county uh... democratic party uh... supporters The money is in the county. They're working in the black. We're working in the red. And they've been gracious enough to give us $250,000. I guess, I mean, beggars can't be choosy. You don't turn down pennies, right? So I guess it's a yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman is the best we can do Thank You madam clerk the resolution we voting all is about half a million dollar The one that we're voting on, not the historic house on West Side Park. The one right now we're voting on is close to half a million dollars, $452,311 to be exact. We are paying for the open space money to the county. My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Mendez?

Thank you Madam Clerk. Just also let me clarify that we're also voting on the fitness center area of Eastside Park. And I'm in full support of this piece of legislation. And I really hope and I have a lot of faith that we'll be successful on this application with the county. And we also received funding from the county for the step of Eastside Park to fix the step at Eastside Park. And then the same if Ms. Frances Harrison, the board at the park, We're using a section of storage, but I spoke with the director today and we're going out for a bit to fix it and get it done and bring it back. That section at Eastside Park also as well. That's one of the last pieces that we need to be renovated. And the community is asking for this. This fitness area is being used for a lot of residents of our city. And it's great when you can go around, do exercise, walk, and utilize this equipment that we're going to put over there. So my body shares, Madam Clerk.

Thank you. Councilman Omar?

My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Velez?

So that's a good thing to get involved in committees and events and when we go to cut ribbons because only Hayden Heights, Roberto Clemente Park, Eastside Park have received funds. Only Patterson in 2025 and 26, we received approximately $350,000. COUNTY-WIDE, WE RECEIVE, THEY RECEIVE $3 MILLION BETWEEN ALL THE MUNICIPALITIES, 60 MUNICIPALITIES, AND ONLY PATTERSON RECEIVED UP TO NOW, 2026, $350,000. SO NO MATTER WHERE THE FUNDING IS COMING, IT'S COMING FROM OPEN SPACE. And that's a fair chair that we receive in a school base on project and application hopefully they could give us more when we apply for more money and funding for parks and any project that the city have so saying that welcome. My words, yes.

As that means my boat is just not a clerk.

This item is adopted payment of bills, madam clerk point of order.

councilman jackson so um i i i was trying to be clear about this um madam clerk just for a point of reference because i think it's very important um there's a part there's a a parliamentary procedure that's being violated for I'm trying to make sure I get. One second I apologize. I'm trying to pull the coat the city called.

Council president on the vote.

If no no is a point of order and for. But so the point of order has to be taken based on what's happening you can't so so the point of second counts and that's trying to find a cold right what it is what the clerk is required the clerk is required to read on the record. On the record the call of the vote and every single vote. She cannot just call this book this or this this this order passes the clerk is required to call the vote by by cold and by robert's rules she cannot just decide how she wants to do things there's a requirement by law by statute further further my point of order is not is not finished council councilwoman the clerk does not have the ability to vote on my behalf She does not have the ability to vote yay, nay, abstention, or anything of the sort on my behalf. I am the elected official. The clerk is not. If she wants to be an elected official, she is more than welcome to move into the city and run for the position. But she does not have the privilege to overstep my vote and then mark on the paper what my vote is when I never voted as such. And further, she must place on the record. And in case you want to let the clerk answer to the point of order, she has to place it on the record. I'm going to find it in a second. I'll read the code to you if you don't understand it clearly. But it is required. managing war was a hit or whatever she wanted to do for years he didn't teach into their the likes of sonya gordon and the likes of jackie murray and he didn't just sit here and do things because they just felt it was necessary it is required by law thank you guys is that since all the vote was going to not the one is it's not one of our president the council president is in charge of order not one out of no point of order for you to the question

Councilman Jackson, when you call a point of order, the Council President has to tell you if your point of order is valid or is not. No, you don't. You don't even know, Council President. Read the code.

How are you going to answer to that when you don't know? It's obvious you don't know.

You were just finished. Councilman Jackson, I am going to refer to Corporation Council if he can respond.

He's not a parliamentarian.

Corporation Council? Read the code.

Thank you, Council President. Thank you, Corporation Council. So I'm looking at our code, Section N, Rule 15. It says votes to be taken by roll call. signing of resolutions and ordinances. And further goes, the vote upon every motion or resolution or ordinance shall be taken by roll call in alphabetical order, except that the President shall be the last member called, and the vote by yeas and nays shall be entered upon the minutes. I don't see anything here that says that it must be formally announced.

Thank you. Payment of bills, Madam Clerk. No, no, no. Thank you very much. Payment of bills. Payment of bills. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. No, no.

Payment of bills. Payment of bills. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. No, no. Payment of bills. Payment of bills. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. You cannot take the floor unless you're given it. That is incorrect. That is an incorrect opinion.

You have not been given a floor, Councilman Jackson. The stenographer is the keeper of the minutes.

You have not been given the floor. Payment of bills. The stenographer is the keeper of the minutes. Thank you very much, Council President. That's fine. The point of order is invalid. The stenographer is the keeper of the minutes.

The claim is not the summary of disbursements.

Corporation counsel, is the stenographer not the keeper of the minutes? At this time. Is the stenographer not the keeper of the minutes?

At this time.

Payment of bills.

He's still reading the law. Thank you very much, Council President.

He still has to figure it out for himself.

I'm a really clearly because I'm just going to say that you have to respect the council president when she gives you the floor she gave you the floor. You addressed your matter you were addressed by Corporation Council you may not like the answer but the council president has spoken and given me the floor so I'm going to move forward now with the summary of disbursements and then you can continue with whatever you'd like to continue with but I am going to move forward the council president has given me the floor and i will move forward with summary of disbursements there was two points awarded i was placed on the floor thank you council there was two points of order i was placed in the floor the corporation council failed to answer on whether or not the clerk has the right to overstep my vote three dollars and 48 cents there was no payroll No, I hear no confirming checks the majority of this. Our grants in addition and a B a a B M payment of 1.7 million. A portion of this was our dollars. This is for energy savings program services were rendered this is contractual and something that we have to pay so madam for my motion is for payment of bills for the amount of 3 million two hundred and five thousand eight hundred and twenty three dollars and forty eight so move.

I move by the fact that the vice president of the second by Councilman Omar the last roll call madam clerk on the bill. No Councilwoman kind.

It is it's the state is that just came in and it is she had the fact that has to be please for me. No, no, no, you don't touch my microphone.

That's your mic is off. I'm sorry. She cannot be in it. You don't have nothing to write again.

She don't have anything in it. The man for payment of bills. My vote is yes.

The vice president. Thank you very much. My vote is yes for payment of bills. Councilman Jackson.

So it's obvious to the members of the public as, you know, the means to violate my rights, the rights of the public, corporation counsel yet didn't answer on the fact that how the clerk can write a yes vote down when I've never voted yes. She does not have the ability and or the authority to do so. Yes, she has. She has written a yes vote multiple times when I have not voted. Okay. Don't worry, I have the resolutions. I'll include it in my ethics complaint. Further, further, that's why you don't lean on the non-parliamentarian. She's the parliamentarian. She should have answered to the point of order herself. It says clearly within the code, the reading of the yeas and nays must be placed within the minutes. The stenographer is the keeper of the minutes. If the clerk fails to read the yeas and nays out, how is it kept within the minutes?

Is there a minute?

First, who's up there saying no?

The minutes. Councilman Jackson, we're in the middle of payment of bills.

So, Councilwoman, enjoy yourself. Relax. I have the floor. I have the floor. And I'm addressing a concern of mine. Obviously, you don't have any concern over the things that I'm concerned about. So, what's totally false about the clerk writing a yes vote when I never voted yes? What's totally false about that? The clerk does not have the privilege to write to vote on my behalf. The clerk does not have the right to vote on my behalf, point blank. She has written yes votes in occasions that I have not voted. And that's part of the reason why her failure to read the call of the vote at the end of the vote because she does certain things that she should not be doing. It has to be placed on the minutes. And in order for her to do so, she has to read it. She has to read it on the record so the stenographer can place it on the minutes. Otherwise, when someone goes back to recall the minutes of which the stenographer is supposed to be keeping, those yeas and nays will not be within the minutes.

Councilman Jackson, your vote?

I haven't voted yet, Madam Clerk. Please be patient. I'm making a point. And this is part of the point. Okay, so go ahead. You want to skip over me? Let's see what she's going to write in the books.

Next councilperson, please. Councilman Khaliq.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. This is nothing but distraction. You see, Madam Clerk called my name, right? Now I'm going to vote yes or no. She's writing it. of two minutes. Sonographer out there, she's putting the minutes in. It is there. So it's just the point of, I believe, creating a chaos. Everybody knows out there who's voting yes, who's voting no. If a resolution or ordinance passes, it passes. It's on the record who voted yes or no. If you pull out any resolution or ordinance from Anytime. Anytime. I'm speaking. Anytime. It's there. Yes or no. Right after each council person name. So this is just want to create a chaos we have it we have a great new. Clark in city of Patterson. One of these yes with the potential when the disruptor. I had enough of your nonsense got some index and my what is yes, but I'm clear.

Councilman on. Councilman the lands.

We turn this meeting from four to two meetings, one workshop and one regular meeting. and um and every tuesday before i come in i try not to when i before coming in i say i'm not going to speak a lot i'm going to try to calm down i'm not going to do this you know do that um but I just thinking what the people behind YouTube and behind 77 and channel 32, their opinion. Because we are fighting for pettiness. It's petty, petty. If there's something that we agree or not agree, let's visit the clerk office and get clarification. Or let's sit down and talk about it. And then we have to bring all this fiasco to this meeting. you know, what the state will say about how we conduct the meeting here. And it looks petty. For me, it's petty. It looks like a kindergarten thing. So, you know, Madam Clerk, keep on doing what you're doing. You're certified by the state. You did what you did to make sure that you be here and you are well qualified what you're doing. So saying that, and let me keep the record clear. This never happened with previous clerk. Never. I don't know why the disrespect towards her or any female that's sitting this side. Saying that, Madam Clerk, and by the way, she's taken my vote since 10 years already, and every time I read the minutes, I see the vote yes. Or if no, it's no, but it's already in the minutes. My vote is yes.

Councilman Mendez were on the payment of bills. Your vote.

But what is just for parent bill, but I'm clear there's no would have payroll will have payment for school board. So I thought it was just been a clerk.

President Mims. This is the last item on the agenda. My vote is yes. payment of bills are adopted. Thank you our agenda is completed the time is a 7.58 PM we're now moving into public portion comes with each of our speakers has.

I'm sorry before you move for one that I believe we I saw an email regarding the sewer.

Everything has been approved the whole agenda is done as it is. But as guys say that to the to the community public portion is now open each speaker has 3 minutes. The time it will be on there's no exceptions there is one person that did ask for additional time and I granted the time and I will say that when the person gets up to speak for the time. Madam clerk we have 10 speakers on tonight. Our first speaker is miss river either raise that your time will start once you get to the podium. Commissioner raise that.

Good evening, everyone. Well, there's a few issues here which I'm going to address. First of all, I wanted to say congratulations to the team. I mean, it was a fight out there, but it was done. Also, something that is being used over and over again. We need to start respecting women. We can't come up here, and if you don't have something nice to say to a person, let's not go here. And you men that sit there, don't let men from out here come and sit and go off on the women that are sitting there, because it could be your mom, it could be your sister. Things that are being said and coming up here and just going off on women all the time, it's like if you sleep with these women in your head to come up here and want to discuss. Also, another thing that I wanted to say, GOD, HERE IT IS, I GET IN TROUBLE. GUYS, MR. JACKSON, YOU'RE NOT, MR. JACKSON, I WANT TO SAY THIS TO YOU. YOU AND MR. MENDEZ, YOU GUYS ARE NOT LOSERS. YOU GUYS GOT A GOOD AMOUNT OF VOTES THAT PEOPLE CAME AND VOTED FOR YOU. I HAVE TO SAY THAT. That's like giving you guys prep. You guys are not losers. You try to do as best as you can. Also, for my constituents out here in Patterson, let's all stick together because this city, if you look at it, it's getting worser and worser and worser by the time. We that are sitting out here, we see what's happening. You have people that are here all the time, every week, every other week, trying to come and say your piece. Please, let's be out here this, and these four years, let's try to do what we didn't do in the last four years. Because if I'm part of it too, I want to be part of the solution in fixing our town, because we all live here. And remember, if we don't clean up this town, the infections and the dirtiness that's going to happen, we all going to get sick. So you guys that are out here, and you guys got elected again, let's, and guys, I'm talking to you, please look at me, because I give you all that respect when y'all need it too. Let's do what we got to do instead of just saying okay Give me the vote and then forget you when you gave me the vote you guys that's not gonna happen with me Because if I was out there hustling and getting in trouble by people because I'm supporting the team that I'm supposed to be supporting You know that I'm gonna go down. So let's all be mindful of We have people that are here all the time because they care. They're not getting paid to come up here, I don't think. So that being said, I'm here for all. We're here to serve. Let's continue to stick together. And again, those who didn't make it, let's share our ideas because if you guys were wanting to run for the city, let's say those same ideas, let's do it for all. So let's be at peace and continue to serve. And once again, I wanted to say, Maritza, you're a good, excellent mom with Bevo. Continue. And don't give up. Doesn't matter. Don't give up. Single women don't give up. And we can't. That's why we have the Kahootos. And you gentlemen out there that sit there, stop BSing. Because some of you know that you bullshit. You go out here and you tell lies to people. And you can't bullshit me because I'm on your game. And you know who I am. And you know who you are. Thank thank you.

Thank you commissioner next speaker, madam clerk. He was granted he has 2 extra minutes not a quote next speaker is David David Gilmour.

And I thank you for the additional 2 minutes for mice my the dissertation of a make it a couple of things. First of all. What a read signify covered in the blood. whatever y'all think you can do to me, you can't do, because I'm covered. The other thing is I'm wearing my military hat as an honorably served Vietnam-era vet. And at the time, and continuously, many times I come here, I'm the only vet in the room. But for 2018, when I represented that the art factory did not meet muster on its tickets, went to court and won, came here, and the tickets were overturned by powers that be, and the then Corporation Counsel, not this one, previous one, denied me my right to speak, which facilitated me filing a federal lawsuit. of which you just passed the $700,000 you're going to pay me for those violations and others. Seven years of political retaliation. I was fired. I was brought back. I passed OAL, Office of Administrative Law. Civil service found in my favor. Civil Service Appellate Division, state of New Jersey, found in my favor. The only reason we're settling for the 700,000 is because I don't want to go to third district court for appeal. It might take another two or three years. I'm 71 years old. I got family and others that depend on me. So we settle in for that. I also want to say as well that when it happened when I was denied my right to speak the only person that spoke up for me was councilman Jackson. I don't care what you say about it. His delivery he's too mean he's angry he's this he stood up for me. And I acknowledge that because when he wanted to run for mayor and I was ran for mayor before I also step back to support him when in fact we had the blacks for better Patterson turned into Negroes for Andre. That's what happened. Many, many, many, but not the majority of the folk in this town separated by Negroes and or black people. We got a lot of Negroes, but we also have black people. I'm black all day. The Negroes didn't graduate yet, so I'm really not mad at them. We just recognize that they don't know their full potential. So when we say and when we pledge the false representations that are made pledging liberty and justice for all, it's a lie. Why did I have to wait seven years Because I wouldn't go along with the mayor's ball and or the councilman that brought forward the petition or resolution for the entertainment license. Should have never got it. It was approved without final inspections. 150 tickets, that's where it started. And for the last few years, I've been denied, been fired, dismantled my unit, misrepresented by this administration, same administration that's in there. But for that, I got 2,600 votes without a campaign because I was gagged. I couldn't speak. I couldn't speak on the issues related to my case. But now, I'm free. I'm going to say what I want, when I want, how I want. But I'm not making it personal. I'm only going after process. Process. There's plenty of personal stuff to say about people. I don't get into that. I'm not into the personal stuff. Just process. That's all. Because there's a lot of process shortcomings. And I've been doing this a long time. And I'm also going to reactivate my so let's say Patterson page that has been dormant as well for the since October. 15 years ago, I started let's say Patterson I'm still doing it. So he I just came here to say thank you for the thank you for the approval. Thank you Councilman Jackson, the only one that stood up for me since 2018 when I was denied that illegally.

Thank you, Mister Gilmore next speaker miss Ariel left so it's.

Hi. Hello. Good evening. Good evening. My name is Ariel Lefkowitz. I grew up here in New Jersey in Essex County. I currently live in Jersey City. I am also a public policy specialist for Humane World for Animals. I'm here tonight to urge this council to join hundreds of cities in New Jersey and over 500 municipalities in the country in prohibiting the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet shops. I'm urging this action because Patterson's one puppy selling pet store has a history of health department violations, has bought puppies from seemingly unlicensed breeders, and has been fined tens of thousands of dollars for violating the state's consumer protection law. On top of this, there is nothing currently preventing another puppy store from opening within the city. Most pet shop puppies sold in New Jersey are unfortunately coming from inhumane breeding facilities where dogs can be stacked in wire cages. They can be in overcrowded conditions, denied proper shelter, proper socialization, exercise, veterinary care. And we're coming to you, I'm coming to you because the state has yet to take action on this issue and federal oversight of the breeders where these puppies are coming from, that federal oversight has repeatedly failed animals in the puppy mill pipeline. Union City, Jersey City, and 153 other communities in New Jersey have passed humane pet shop ordinances because puppies coming from these conditions are often sick, and so on top of their maybe $1,000 price tag, they're costing families who don't know where they're coming from hundreds to thousands of dollars in veterinary costs to get treatment. Sometimes, unfortunately, those puppies do die as well, so they have that emotional toll. Many puppy stores are rarely fully transparent in the sourcing of where they get their puppies from, because if they were, no one would knowingly support where these puppies are coming from. And they often use predatory financing practices, so working with third-party loan companies that charge interest rates upwards of 100%. No pet shop needs to sell puppies. The pet retail industry is a multi-billion dollar thriving industry. So under an ordinance like this, and I have model language if anyone is interested in reading that. Under an ordinance like this, they would still be able to work with rescues and animal shelters to do adoption day events in coordination with each other. They would be able to sell toys, food, treats, offer grooming, boarding, all of these services that pet owners truly, truly want. And residents would still be able to obtain the pet of their choice from shelters, rescues, and responsible breeders who only ever sell directly to the public. I'm available as a resource. I'd love to talk with anyone. Thank you for your time.

Thank you so much. Next speaker, Madam Clerk.

Next speaker is Larry Cohen.

Good evening. I work with Ariel on this issue. And I'm here to tell you that this would probably be an easy lift for you were there not a store already in your town. And I understand that that may cause you some concern. But I want to tell you a little bit about this store. from public documents that may assuage some of your concerns. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has been dealing with this story for 10 years. In 2016, D&G Petite Pups was fined $45,000 for 90 violations of the state's consumer fraud law, the Pet Purchase Protection Act. The store was investigated again in 2020, and by 2022, consent order had been issued to the tune of $28,750 in additional fines. That included basic violations of the Pet Purchase Protection Act, some of the most basic and important parts of the act, as well as a failure to fully comply with the 2016 consent order. Just last week, Greg Turner, who's the Office of Consumer Protection's chief investigator, confirmed to us that another consent order will be issued as early as this week for further PPPA violations, as well as failure to pay previous fines. Your own health department has had extensive dealings with this store for at least the last five years. During that time, up to eight different inspections, many based on consumer complaints, have found missing licenses and inspection certificates, including pest control, veterinary supervision, and fire inspection. Crates, the floor, and animals have been found soiled with urine and fecal matter. Rusted cages with sharp edges and protrusions buckling under the weight of being stacked upon one another were found. Cages too small for the number of dogs or the size of the dog in them were found. The store has been closed temporarily at least four times since 2022 for some of these health violations. These are all records that we've obtained from local, state, and federal agencies involved in the regulation of pet stores and their sourcing breeders. If this doesn't show you how broken this system is and how much it's hurting innocent dogs who deserve so much better from us, then I don't know what possibly could. You've got precedent for this ordinance from nine states that have passed laws and over 500 municipalities across the country, including 150 in this state. I implore you to do the right thing. Pass an ordinance. It will not close this store. They can remain open and sell supplies and offer grooming, et cetera.

Thank you so much. Next speaker. Do right by the dogs. Next speaker, Madam Clerk.

And your constituents.

Next speaker, Madam Clerk. Next speaker, Mr. Elvis Durham.

Mr. Elvis Durham, Patterson, New Jersey. Just want everyone to know at the last meeting I have said I'm one of the new black leaders in the city of Patterson. That means as a promoter. It's other new black leaders that's coming up because the leaders that we got now don't got nothing to show for. So I came to make an announcement. The new black headquarters. You already know Mr. G's is closed. No more. Jacksonville is closed. No more. The new black headquarters is Fast Break Calf Sports Lounge in Center City Mall, 301 Main Street, downtown Patterson, New Jersey. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 o'clock p.m. You can go there, get some good food, chill, live music, entertainment, and watch a good game. My YouTube channel, Patterson NJ Good News. My Facebook page, Elvis Good News, D-U-R-H-A-M. The African Heritage Parade is coming up. African Heritage Parade will be Saturday, June 20th. It's going to start from the Masonic Temple on 224 Broadway, Patterson, New Jersey, at 10 o'clock a.m., and it's going all the way to Eastside Park, 800 Broadway, Patterson. The Juneteenth Festival will be at Eastside Park, Saturday, June 20th, starts at 12 o'clock p.m. For more information, go on my Facebook page, ElvisGoodNews, D-U-R-H-A-M. Also, my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, PattersonNJGoodNews. God bless you, and good night.

Thank you next speaker madam clerk Mister Jeff was now ski.

Hello everybody the name. My name is Jeff I live on the street. I JUST WANT TO ADD ON TO WHAT ARIEL AND LARRY WERE SAYING ABOUT THE HUMANE PET STORE ORDINANCE. I THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA. I SEE SOME DOGS AND CATS RUNNING AROUND OUR STREETS OUTSIDE WITH NO ONE LOOKING AFTER THEM AND I KNOW THAT THERE'S ALSO MORE DOGS AND CATS IN OUR SHELTER who need people to help them get them adopted. So this is what that is about, is just getting those dogs and cats who need to be adopted out of the shelter. And we don't need to have a store selling dogs and cats on top of that, even if there weren't egregious health department violations. I want to mention that, you know, I've seen some bad things happen to dogs and cats who don't have any homes. So we want to be helping those dogs and cats. And also I want to mention, I know John DeCando, I was recently honored for 50 years of service with animal control. So I think that this would be the best thing that we could do for animal control and John who care and put in a lot of hard work and hours and time. uh so you know i would love to see any of the council people here uh sponsor this ordinance i think it would be a great idea uh yeah thank you thank you next speaker miss francis harrison

Good evening again. I have several issues that I hope I could get through. The one item 23. I'm looking at this resolution for the audit that was supposed to been done through the finance department and the wording on this and some of this stuff was supposed to be completed in 2025 and I see that another has hired a consultant again to help finance do what they're doing. I just hope that at this time somebody's monitoring what's going on because it's ridiculous that you got all these people that is helping a finance director do his job and it's still not being done. That's one of the things. Oprah, I saw on here that the first issue was about giving The city clerk some help with record keeping I did a open rock in May it is now the middle of June, I still have heard nothing from it. I sent the email stating that no response. OK that's item guy. The other issue is. Talking about the timeline for the master plan. We would like to know. The community would like to know about this master plan that has not been looked at since when 2018. So we're interested on what it is that we're working on as a Council and administration towards this master plan. There is so much to be done with this new team, or this continued team, and we're hoping that these things are going to be addressed these four years, because it's been talked about over and over and over again. And hopefully that they'll listen to the community and get some of these things corrected, because it's crazy. I also want to mention about June 10th. Juneteenth as a dorm said it's going to be the parade up to Eastside Park and the whole nine yards but on June 19th at Hitchcliff Stadium there will be a flag raising at 5 p.m. We're hoping that the community will come out for this because the information about Hitchcliff We have not really gotten a lot of positive information about it and people need to understand that this was a stadium that the African American baseball players were allowed to play in there's a museum up there there's a lot of history of Patterson that needs to be addressed. Thank you for your time.

Thank you next speaker miss Jalen.

Hey, how y'all doing? I'm Jaylyn. I came up here to actually talk about the flag raising. I definitely think that there needs to be some more information put out to the city because I didn't know about the museum that was in Hitchcliff Stadium until I had a talk with Dr. Mims. So that definitely, we need to do something. If y'all need ideas or thoughts, hit me up. I like to event plan. So to get my people out to the stadium to see that our heritage is there and is real and y'all actually care about us, let me know. um the other thing i wanted to talk about thank you for closing the schools whoever did that thank you for not closing them i had a big problem with that because my elementary school was being closed and i don't think that that was right um you're closing down good schools that um really cater to their kids and nurture their kids um the last thing i want to talk about is this festival that y'all just approved the peruvian day parade Festival. We love y'all festivals. Just clean up by yourself. That's it. That's all I'm asking for. I live right there on Church Street. Y'all come up there. Y'all make a mess. I ain't got time for it. Please clean it up. I don't want to see it. Everybody on my block already know how I get down. Let's not make the area ugly. We right here downtown where everybody is coming. So definitely just clean up after yourselves. That's the only thing I ask for is just clean up. That's it. And I'm out of here. See you.

Thank you Jay land, Mister Jules keys next speaker.

Just testing. There has been a lot of talk about the need to work together regarding the council and the public. However, I believe there's a priority order we should observe when corruption is as rampant as it is in the current administration. We need to address and expose all circumstances of corruption before seeking unity and working together. If you recall, in the first 11 or 12 speeches I made here, my mission was to bring democracy to Patterson, and I redefined democracy as the people organizing and mobilizing as a united force. I got the idea from researching the historic practices of social justice activist organizations in the United States. And Dr. Howard Zinn's book, A People's History, his thesis is that the government never gave the people any of the gains it claims to have given them, such as voting rights, civil rights, women's rights, et cetera. He said the people forced the government to grant those rights through social justice activism, in which they organized and mobilized as a united force, prioritizing the exposure of corruption. A united force requires working together in unity. So I'm on board with the people and the council working together, but not at the expense of being complicit in corruption. During my research on social justice activist organizations, I discovered that the FBI's counterintelligence program, also known as COINTELPRO, was exceptional at infiltrating organizations by planting informants whose duties included exacerbating any potential divisions that would occur and even creating them in many instances. The success of that law enforcement agency exploiting those organizations which appear not to have major issues regarding members engaged in corruption and their success in exploiting other organizations plagued by members engaged in corruption represents glaring evidence that the Exposing corruption takes priority over working together in unity. In other words, unity requires trust. And anyone complicit in corruption is not trustworthy. I preach and teach to my students that it is not advisable to voluntarily interact with people whom you don't trust. And I practice what I preach and teach concerning that principle. Regarding this council and administration, Councilman Jackson is in a situation where he is obligated to interact with colleagues he does not trust. And that's why in every instance where it is not obligatory to interact with them and instead optional, he never voluntarily interacts with them at their events. Some people will love you and others will hate you for the same reasons. So it's important to always be yourself. While some people resent Councilman Jackson for observing the principle, I would rather be rejected for being real than accepted for being fake. There's a large contingent of supporters who are grateful to him. Thank you, Mr. Keyes.

Next speaker, Madam Clerk. Next and last, final speaker.

Next speaker is Nella Samuels. Nella Samuels.

I'm just going to make this brief because I only have three minutes. Give me a second to find my page. Thank you. All right.

Testing, testing. One, two, three.

So I am Patronella Samuels. Nella Samuels, I like to be called. I'm the Concrete Rose of Patterson, from Patterson, on all social medias. But let's start... saying seeing and saying what is slow and steady wins the race the race to greatness if you cannot be satisfied with the little that god has given then more blessings will never come our way patersonians let's stop putting down our town let's show a helping hand and help when we can if you only see something if you see something say something adopt the block let Let's hear more good news. Thank you, good news. I am the Concrete Rose from Patterson. I'm a Pattersonian. I grew up in Patterson since 1978, went back to my country, came back, graduated Montclair State University, criminal justice minor, sociology major. I do have... I am stricken with mental illness called bipolar. It is my superpower. Let's help to destigmatize mental health. Let's help be a stigma-free town. Other towns, you go into their town, big sign up. Stigma-free town. Let's work on doing that. Thank you and blessings to all of you. All of our friends and family. And if I have time, which I do, I'm going to say this slowly because I hate reading. It baffles me. I get nervous reading. I ad lib everything I do. I don't read aloud. Okay. If I have more time, which I do, I must not go without saying, check on your elderly family and friends and let them know one at least once a week if you never know someone's struggle unless they reveal it to you um that is all for now have a great night thank you there are no more speakers can i get a motion to close the public portion moved by council vice president david second by councilman velez roll call to close the public portion madam clerk

Councilwoman cotton.

Thank you, madam clerk. I know that we still got to close out the meeting, but I just want to thank everyone that came out tonight to express some of their concerns and some of the things that that's happening. We have really a full schedule coming up next week and I wish that everybody would enjoy our African Heritage Parade, our Juneteenth celebration. You know, we have to sometimes learn how to enjoy each other. You know, we can disagree with each other, but we got to learn how to enjoy each other. Coming from the South, we all had different roles, but we also learned how to love each other in all our different roles that we had to do, and we had to be part of working on a farm. So I have some more comments, but thank you all for coming out. When I do my closing statement, I will say, but thank you, everyone. God bless you all for coming and speaking tonight and voicing your concern. To me, that is very important. And I always say, just listen. Just listen. You don't have to talk all the time. Just listen. With that being said, God bless you all. Madam Clerk, my vote is yes.

Vice President Davila. Thank you very much. I'm total agreement with my dean of the council who indicated that it's important that we listen. And today, everyone, I'm thankful for everyone that came forward today to express their concerns. Believe it or not, I'm actually shocked. I didn't know that we had a pet shop because I thought the one we had was shut down. and so you know i just learned something new i just learned that it's in the third ward i live in the third war so i'm trying to figure out because i'm gonna go visit and definitely i will join in on the effort um i am an animal lover uh and we respect our chief decando and um you know i want to make sure that you know we're able you know to be in compliance and do what's right to all the constituents to to uh MY NEIGHBOR, FRANCIS, MY NEIGHBOR, THIRD WARD STRONG, I UNDERSTAND, YOU KNOW, I ALSO HEARD THE CONDITIONS OF THE BATHROOMS IN EASTSIDE PARK, ABSOLUTELY, RIGHT? SO WE DEFINITELY HAVE TO, MR. BEA, YOU KNOW, LOOK INTO WHAT WAYS WE ARE ABLE TO OBTAIN SOME FUNDING THROUGH GRANTS to be able to upgrade and give our constituents who go visit the parks and who play and do all the great things that also have a place to let go when they need to. Again, to everyone else, to the young lady that spoke, I have become a big supporter in awareness for mental health viewed uh... in many cases as as as a taboo and he should not specially when you have it so close to home you know we have to understand and become more aware uh... and so uh... this has and it will be you know my next steps in becoming a bigger advocate as i've been So Madam Clerk, my vote is yes to close the public portion.

Councilman Jackson?

Yes.

Councilman Khaliq?

Yes.

Councilman Mendez?

Thank you, Madam Clerk. So before my vote, also I would like to just, we definitely, as the Councilman of the Third Ward, I will follow up with that. I will reach out to Mr. DeCando first time in the morning. I will definitely get to the bottom of this. Early in the morning, I drive around my third ward, and at the end of the night, and speaking of that, so we'll follow up, and if I could get you contact to interact a little bit after I find out what's going on specifically with that location in my ward. So to my third ward resident, I've been getting a lot of calls about the gate on the park that has been opened. I spoke with the director, Billy, so we're getting help from the county to replace the gate at Eastside Park, and also I want to say thank you to the county to say thank you to the county of the state for being the right partner. They've not only been helping us now with this project with the gym area at Eastside Park, also the staff at Eastside Park. We're getting money from the county also to replace it. So we're definitely addressing those concerns and also the condition of the bathroom at Eastside Park. We really need to pay attention to that. It's summertime. We have people early in the morning in the park doing exercise, late at night, in the afternoon. So to the VA, please... I'll take note of that, Mr. VA. I know he's very busy with Francis Harrison. Mr. Francis? thank you thank you so so mr va you know and this very specifically um early in the morning i'm in east side park and at the end of the night i'm driving around east side park uh i take a lot of pride of the park we're making a lot a major investment on the park please let's pay attention to those bathroom i mean we have kids people doing exercise in the morning afternoon at night it's a beautiful location for all patterson to go and use it so let's pay attention to that uh... very close so the france also we have to be addressing you matter uh... summation before spoke with public work director sold at all going out for a bit and and it is definitely going to get done uh... and i want to say thank you to the resident of the city of paterson i want to say thank you to all those residents for a big fight and in close in my part thank you for fighting so hard in the closing of those four elementary school the power is in the people They say a vote can order a stop of the closing of those here for them into school, you know, I think that's been that you know for say no to the project support member you're very proud of your song, but what is just going to court.

Councilman Omar.

Thank you, madam clerk, I just want to thank all the residents for coming out and sharing their concerns and reminded that all 9 of us here are here to serve you. I was just not clear.

Councilman last.

Thank you madam clerk. First of all, let me I took notes of why everybody coming up here, but the one that really had to address today because probably will not see them the next meeting you could continue coming. The place is the and JP T pops is located to 7622nd Avenue. THE CHIEF IS AWARE OF WHAT'S GOING ON THERE. 90 PLUS FINES HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO THIS PLACE. I GOT REPORTS OF PEOPLE BEING BUYING PETS THERE, COMING OUT OF THERE SICK AND OTHER ISSUES. SO IF I COULD ASSIST YOU TO LOOK INTO WHAT ORDINANCE YOU WANT US TO MOVE FORWARD, IF I COULD ASSIST YOU. BUT REMEMBER, WE ALWAYS SEND EVERYTHING TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT THAT THEY ARE EXPERT ON THAT. YOU COULD GIVE IT TO ME. I WILL DRAFT IT. I WILL SEND IT TO HIM. HE WILL LOOK INTO WHAT IS FITTING IN PATTERSON TO MAKE SURE THAT WE MOVE ALONG. BECAUSE AND THIS IS WITHOUT COUNTING THE UNDERGROUND BREEDERS. okay so um i'm looking for a female husky but i can't find them because because because i have a husky everybody knows i have a husky and um and i love my husky and before i you know He get, oh, I would like to have another husky. But I'm a pet lover, and listen, I'm the way I am. You could laugh in other faction, but I'm the way I am, and I love what I do, and I could assist you whatever I could assist you with the cooperation of my colleagues and legal department in this issue. The remaining 13 seconds. Mr. Gilmore, Mr. Gilmore, thank you for coming and addressing your concern. This house is yours. You can come anytime. We respect to address us. My vote is yes to close the public portion.

President Mims.

Thank you. To the public that is viewing and that is present, I always say thank you for taking time out to come. There were various concerns that were mentioned. I don't want to reiterate what was stated by various council members, but I will add, especially to the Eastside Park Upgrade is not just on the upgrades in the renovations to us is also to the people that are utilizing the bathrooms that they would think and be more clean while they're in the bathroom I've been in the bathroom and some of the things that are happening in the bathroom some of it is not because the bathrooms are not with up to cold where they need to be some of it is just because people are not taking care of you when they use the bathroom of really doing what they need to do in the bathroom and So I want to put that out to the public as well while the other requests have been made for CDBG. To the BA, can we get a report from the health department of how many times, because I heard it stated that there were times they went. I want to get the facts on that, if they did go or did not go to this particular institution. animal store and Patterson we need the list of that before moving forward we need to look at the facts and attach it to the data before even making any movement on that and then there were various other concerns or requests our constituent services is here and Jalen I would love to do a tour so you can see the historic museum that is in Hinchcliffe Stadium they're very nice and and I'll talk to of car because we can't go back and forth here, but I'll talk to we. So we can't go back and forth but to to that and thank you so much to everyone that came out your right signal free to say County did it will request them again to get some signal free signs and Patterson madam clerk with that vote stated my vote is yes.

Public portion is now closed.

Madam clerk, can we get a motion to close the meeting of June 9th? Move to close the public meeting tonight. Vice President Davila, seconded by Velez and Mendez. Roll call to close the regular meeting of June 9th, 2026.

Councilwoman cotton and so I just want to say I'm going to talk as fast as I can but I do want to say happy birthday to our Council of our former Council Council of your aims her birthday was doing the 8th and I want to say last night you know I was watching my television and and I did not realize that it was 24 years ago that my husband any kind did the big title fight in Memphis, Tennessee at the Pyramid. It was June 8th, 2002, 24 years ago. I actually went to Memphis, Tennessee with him to the Pyramid. They treated him like he was a king. They was like, and it was Mike Tyson and Landis Lewis. So it brought kind of like tears to my eyes because Of all the people in the United States, all the referees, Larry Hazard recommended Eddie Cotton to the Tennessee Boxing Commission because at that time they didn't really have a boxing commission because not too many fights were happening in Tennessee. So I just want to share that with you that Patterson was put on the map back in 2002 with the biggest title fight here in the United States. Also, I would like to say don't forget to come out for juneteenth celebration which is going to be starting next week juneteenth is on the 19th um jalen the flag raiser for city hall i believe is under 18. uh the flag raiser for history was under 19. uh and then you have the parade that's going to be on the 20th so make sure but i want to stand up And so make sure that everybody get their Juneteenth shirt. You know, like make sure. No talking across. Don't wait until that day to get your shirt. And I got my shirt from Justin Reeves. So you can Facebook her. You can inbox her or anything, but make sure you get your shirt for the celebration and let's enjoy a celebration that we have that the and also I would like to say to everyone out there I just had to show my my shirt, but you know I do have a birthday coming up to next week, but I just want to say thank you all for coming out to you David Gilmour, you know you're always welcome here in the city Hall for all you that Councilman we are always going to be here for everyone so I know what it is. But that being said Let's just share love and love one another with that being said that of my vote is yes to close our regular meeting of June 9th, 2026. Thank you, God bless you all of the thank you.

Vice president of the thank you very much. I won't take as long. Maybe I will take the 2 minutes. I do believe that everything is written. Nothing is by chance. I believe if there's wrongdoing and it goes through its process and found that there was wrongdoing, then we have to pay. I also believe that people are put in positions because the one above wants you in the position. Doesn't matter what man says, although the one above puts in man's heart who they should support. So I'm just going to continue saying thank you, Patterson, for four more years. In addition to that, over the weekend, there were various celebrations and a one-year anniversary to Buffalo Celdo, who has become a hit on social media, TikTok, with thousands and thousands of views and they're only here over the weekend and you know my understanding that they are not in city property but and property where they have permission and that whatever contracts they have and so I want to say congratulations to Stephanie and her husband for the first anniversary. In addition to that, Carmen's Pharmacy on River Street has now expanded to do Carmen's transportation. Beautiful fleet that she has now to be able to give our residents who need mobilization through I got wheelchair accessibility and so forth so you know, thank you Carmen and congratulations to you as well. I look forward to having everyone July 1st come and be part of our story in celebration and lastly to my colleagues do not forget there is one last meeting which is the closeout meeting and I know that Council president with the clerk will. determine that. So with that said my vote is yes to close the June 9th regular meeting.

Councilman Jackson.

Thank you Madam Clerk. Just as a point of clarity to the public The item in which Councilman Khalid referred to for the open space funding, which is $400,000. I don't know where he got that number from. It says clearly here, the city wishes to further public interest by obtaining a $250,000 park development grant from the fund to implement Patterson Eastside Park Fitness Area. So I'm not sure what he's talking about. But anyway, what is important is to remember that it's a $3.7 million grant. of which this very small portion was given to Patterson and that I definitely think that the residents should be extremely concerned about. With that being said, hey. My food is yes.

Councilman colleague.

I'm not going to back and forth. I'm not. I will not go back and forth. Good night everyone. My vote is yes.

Councilman Mendez.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. I didn't have enough time to just mention this, but I just want to say once again, I want to say thank you to Alice Mendez, Jr., Commissioner Mendez for voting against the closing of those four schools and also all the commissioners that voted against this controversial project that was really affecting a lot of family in the city of Patterson. The state put a stop Are they living into this project? And I really hope that we think more about our children, about our community, and let's definitely invest more in our future. I want to say thank you once again. Paterson, I'm going to continue my campaign. Please stop speeding in the city of Paterson. It's summer. We're going to have a lot of children out there, a lot of family, a lot of seniors, a lot of people enjoying our parks and our open space. So please slow down. We have a lot of people speeding in our residential area. You're supposed to go 25 miles. You've got people driving 50, 60 miles per hour. Let's protect our community. Let's protect each other. And the best way that we could do that is by slowing down Patterson. Avoid any ticket. I know our police department will be out there enforcing the law. So please, let's work together. We have a lot of events throughout this summer. Let's come together as one community. Madam Clerk. thank you for such a an amazing job that you've been doing since you've been our clerk i respect you uh and we're here to support you you work for us and we work for you thank you madam clerk my voice yes ma'am

Councilman Omar.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. I'm going to be as brief as possible. I don't know when the closeout meeting is, but I do want to congratulate all our young scholars who will be graduating, either it's eighth grade or high school. And just a friendly reminder to everybody. This Saturday, I believe, June 13th, Thera Ames Park Grand Opening. I look forward to seeing the community there. I passed by the park today. It is absolutely beautiful, and I just can't wait to see our community using it. With that being said, good night, Patterson, and my vote is yes. Vera Ames Park. Yes. My apologies. My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.

Councilman Velez.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Something has been bothering me since the statement was done from this side, and I'd always like to get some information. I sit in the Municipal Service at Statutory Agency. I'm the chairperson. Ruby Cotton is vice chairperson. Michael Jackson is a member and Alex Mender is a member. Why I say this? Because this committee is the one that oversees the housing authority, the parking authority, the library, and Yeah, and the courts. And when they said that the housing authority has failed the Afro-American community, it triggered me to look into when I visit the senior building of my ward, when I visit other senior building in the ward, I just want to give this percent. And they're looking for more information from me, but I just want to give you this percent. Because we have to stop this division. that sometimes people create without no reason. When you go to the seniors programs in the city of Paterson, more than 60% of the attendees of those programs are Afro-Americans. 60% of the employees of the housing authority are Afro-American. More than 50% of residents on the seniors building that are managed by the housing authority are Afro-American. Saying that, I don't know where the Afro-American, according to my colleague, have been left behind or failed. So we're here to work for everyone. When we work from this side, we work for every community. Last but not least, I want to congratulate that young lady, that she is a testimony from community court in the city of Patterson. Thank you. God bless you. My vote is yes.

Council President Mims.

Thank you. So to all of our graduates, congratulations. To all of our family, there are so many families that are grieving. So many people have lost loved ones. My prayers and condolences go out to all of you. I want to congratulate all of the winners in the primary election that just won from our Congressman Congresswoman Nellie Pohl, Senator Booker, Zoella Casanova, our surrogate, to Orlando Cruz, who's our deputy director, and also to Nicholas Vilecki. Congratulations on our primary. Looking forward to our general election in November. to our community. Continue to be safe. Continue to pray and look after your loved ones. I always say if you have your mother or your father still living, please give them their flowers while they can smell them. There's a lot of events that are going on this weekend, Saturday morning. There are many events in the community you have. community, the Vera Ames Community Park event. The ribbon cutting is at 1 o'clock. You also have the Greek and Masonic cookout picnic that is up at Eastside Park. And there's various community events this week, the following week, and so many others. Congratulations to Teddy Martinez and his team for the Wear Orange event. To both Hope Days, through Pastor Sarah Anthony, Pastor Pam Moses at Byboy Church. Also, Parent of the Year event was a great success, honoring all the parents throughout every public school in the city of Patterson. Very awesome event. Patterson, stay blessed. Patterson, stay encouraged. Patterson, stay safe. Madam Clerk, my vote is yes.

Thank you. A special meeting will be called to move forward the introduced ordinance. Once a date has been identified, everything will be published as required. The meeting of June 9th is hereby closed. Good night, Patterson.

And our closeout meeting will be virtual. You will get the information, council colleagues. What? Thank you.