Good evening everyone. On behalf of the Patterson Municipal Council, I welcome you to the regular meeting on October 21st, 2025 at 7 p.m. The meeting is now called to order. Madame Clerk, please call the role. Madame clerk
Sophia still >> roll call. Madam clerk, roll call for the regular meeting of October 21st, 2025. Councilwoman Cotton, Councilwoman Dava, Councilman Jackson,
Councilman Khik. >> Yes. Councilman Khik >> here, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you. >> Councilman Mendes, >> good evening. Pison, >> Councilman Omar. >> Clerk, are ready to serve. >> Councilman Omar. Yes. >> Here, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Uden. Councilman VeZ.
>> Here, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you. Council, Council President, >> I'm here and ready to serve, Madam Clerk. >> Okay. Uh, there are seven here that are present and two absent at this time. This evening's prayer will be rendered by Reverend Marie Lagon,
assistant pastor of the Bethl AM Church. She's not here. >> Oh, she's here. Oh, hey, Miss Lagon. And our flag salute will be led by Miss Amarie Palmer. Can we all please stand with Councilwoman Cotton?
>> I think that's stable. Bas mic, please. >> Of course. Of course. I'm sorry. >> Good evening. Father God, we come before you tonight first of all just to lift up your name. Lord, we come just to say
thank you. And Father God, we are asking that you be in the midst of this meeting as your servants are taking care of the business of the city. Lord, we ask that you bless each and everyone that's on this podium. Bless the ones that's in
the audience. Father God, we ask that you be in the midst of everything that is going on here because we know that you sit high and look. And God, we just thanking you in advance for everything that you're going to do tonight,
everything that's going to be taken care of. And we ask for peace in the name of Jesus. Amen. That's it. To the flag of America and to the republic for which stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> We remain standing for any of our troops or our loved ones that have lost their lives. also for all of our federal employees. Thank you.
Madame clerk, please read the statement of compliance. Statement of compliance with the open public meetings law 2025, 2026, October 21st, 2025. It is now a little after 7 p.m. Adequate
notice of this meeting was compiled and disseminated in accordance with the open public meetings law in the following manner. One, the annual notice of regular meetings and workshop sessions of the municipal council was compiled for the year 2025 2026 on or about July
1st, 2025. A schedule of the regular meetings and workshop sessions of the municipal council for the year 2025 2026 was duly transmitted on or about July 1st 2025 to the North Jersey Herald the record the
Arabic voice the Italian voice the BA county pulse the mano newsisca international lispiel the patterson press the city post news tap into patterson the weekly Bangla patrika in addition to any other publication
duly requesting such notices. Three, the schedule of the regular meetings and workshop sessions of the municipal council for the year 2025 2026 was prominently posted in the lobby of city hall first floor in the place reserved
for the announcements of this type. Four, the schedule of the regular meetings and workshop sessions of the municipal council for the year 2025 2026 was duly filed with the municipal clerk. And five, a copy of the schedule of regular meetings of the municipal
council was mailed to any person who requested and paid the fee authorized by the open public records act. Council president, >> thank you. Consent agenda, madam clerk, and also to um our technology. Can you please check the sound on channel 77?
consent agenda. Madam clerk, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Consent agenda. All matters listed under the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the council and will be enacted by >> One second, Madam Clerk, before you
begin. Items 57,58 and 68 are removed. And then items 50, 60, and 61, and 71 are on consent. Madame clerk, >> thank you. >> Thank you. >> All matters listed on the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the
council and will be enacted by one motion. The items listed on the consent agenda are numbers 2 through 56, items 59, 60, and 61. >> Move it. >> Move. 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. Also item number 71. >> So move >> moved by council um vice president Dava, council cotton, second by counciloman Mendes and Councilman. Roll call on the consent agenda. >> Roll call on the consent agenda.
Councilwoman Cotton. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Dava. >> Yes. >> Councilman Jackson. >> Counciloman Kh. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Mendes. Yes. >> Councilman Omar. >> Yes. >> Councilman Uden. >> Councilman Vez. >> Yes. Madam Clerk.
>> Thank you, Council President. >> My vote is yes, Madam Cler. >> Thank you. The uh the votes are seven in favor, two absent. The consent agenda is hereby adopted. >> Item number 64, Madam Clerk. Item number 64 is a resolution of the
city of Patterson to authorize the city of Patterson to submit a request to the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for the adoption of the Patterson Urban Enterprise Zone 5-year development plan and zone boundaries modifications economic development resolution number
2527. So moved by Councilman Khalik and Mendes, second by uh Council Vice President Davlin and Uden. Roll call, madam cler. >> Excuse me, Uden is not here. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Um >> Vez, I'm sorry. Roll call, madam clerk, on item number 64.
>> Roll call on item number 64 for adoption. Councilwoman Cotton, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Dava, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Jackson, Councilman Khalig, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Mendes, >> thank you, Madam Clerk. We have a very extensive discussion about the 5-year plan and the director came ready um to
definitely explain what this 5-year plan is all about to improve our commercial corridor in the city of P. So with that being say my vote is yes madam clerk. >> Thank you Councilman Omar. >> My vote is yes madam clerk. >> Thank you Councilman Uden. Councilman
>> praising what the director is doing at UE putting the plan together. Let's pray that Trenton recognize that plan and give us the funding to move that plan forward in the city of Patterson. Um, my vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilman Jackson. We are on
item number 64. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. >> You're welcome. >> My apologies. Uh, see the BA seat is empty. Um, you know, we have to raise the bar of
expectations when it comes to what we are accepting and what we're praising. It's amazing to me in the history of me sitting here, I've never sat before a director
who is incapable of answering more questions about the responsibilities, the the the finances. Then the other item that's coming forward where uh $1.6 million of that
budget is utilized for P for PD where of $1.6 $6 million. Only eight arrests, eight stops, but yet,00 tickets were written. The responsibility lies right in this room, this council. So when you look outside and you look at the services
that we're we're not receiving, when you look out at how hideous the conditions are in our community, when you look at the the the the UE corridor, like you could walk down the street and just see trash everywhere. There's two people
that's sleeping on the corner of Maine and Ward Street. That's the UEZ. We've done absolutely nothing. And yet the previous person and this is not because brother by all means this is
not personal despite what this poor excuse of a representation talks about. It's not personal. It's about what we deserve. The same things that you would complain about before you sat in that seat. And if you and if you're not being given
the tools that you need to work with, then make that clear. Then say something. But the previous director of UEE had no staff. You got more staff than than most directors of major departments. You have staff that's
driving around in city vehicles and yet nothing is being accomplished. Very little is being accomplished. As a small business proprietor for over 25 years, the UEE furnished close to $400,000 in grant funds for my business.
facade programs, sidewalk programs. Now, we're taking this money and funneling in funneling in it into the mayor's campaign for whatever it is that he's trying to do. A million dollars in garbage cans that could send out text messages.
But yet, I have yet to get a Let me check my email. Did you ever send me an email or should I not even check? Director, did you send me an email? Just shake your head yes or no. No, you didn't. All right. So, I have asked for a report months ago. Tell me, show me the report of these messages being sent
to DPW from these talking garbage cans. A million dollars in garbage cans. What did we do? We doubled down. We brought more of them. We brought more of them. And I can't even get a report on what
these garbage cans are talking about. How how often are they being filled? Are they being filled in 10 minutes? How long is it taking for somebody to come and dump them? Are they being fondled enough? Are they being treated right? I
don't know any of that because I have yet to get a report from the DPW director and they expecting me to vote in an affirmative for this. This is why we have one of the most hideous cities in the state of New Jersey is because this council sits here and and fails the
community. Fails the community while we have a mayor that has absolutely no clue what he's doing. And his turnover rate staff is is is an absolute joke. And then let me just add this last jab. Our former BA who was touted as this
stroking genius of talent then gets promoted to DCA to have oversight is the person that put all this stuff in place. So why they all sitting down studying? You don't need to study this stuff to know that you getting taken to the
cleaners. This right here, this plan had absolutely no involvement from the the the people who are most important. They talked about having a 200 in and the last time when he came to the council and could not defend himself, right? You
had council members blaming the director. He's a director, by the way. But no, we're going to blame the director of economic development. It's her fault. She should have been here. She didn't hire this young man. She's not responsible for she's just Anyway,
that's a whole another topic. But you couldn't defend anything within this plan. So between that time and the last time they was here, they said they visited 247 businesses. I asked for a list of the businesses. I just want to see the list. I want to go visit and
talk to some of these business owners and see what they, you know, what was the feedback. How was the communication with those those employees of UEE people that are being played close to six figure salary? and I still haven't gotten a list. Something simple as a
list of the businesses you visited. But yet, go down the line, please play the video back of how how they're praising the work that's being done and the money that's being spent. People, we being I just saw I'm I'm sorry. I just saw a
video Patterson somebody it was a it was an armed robbery in the middle of the day. It was It was at night, but it was an armed robbery. And the way that people responded after they got robbed, it was like it was nothing. The dude that was getting robbed, he kept smoking a cigarette. He was holding on, not
letting him take this. It was gun armed robbery. And it's so normalized here that even in the council, we're be This is armed robbery whether you know it or not. This is armed robbery without a gun, but with other weapons.
Like we're being stolen from. And in the meantime, you have people up here who are co-signing this stuff, signing off on it, and allowing for you, your families, our families to be stolen from. And like it's nothing. Madame
clerk, with great pride, my vote is no. >> Thank you, Councilman. The votes are seven. >> I haven't voted, Madam Cler. >> I'm sorry, Council President. and Odin is here. Council >> Council Dun, we're on item number 64. >> The fiveear plan.
>> What's the number again? >> Fiveyear plan. >> Yes. All right. So, good uh evening everyone. Uh we had detailed discussion last week uh during the workshop session and we saw the plan and I can see the benefit of police presence in our uh
business corridors. So, we like to see that more police presence um in next five years. the director of the public safety department was here. He he he presented his version then how it is beneficial for the city of Patterson and I believe that we have to go through
what public safety department truly looking forward. So I'm I'm I'm truly in favor of it and I'd like to see more police presence in our neighborhood. My vote is yes. Okay, >> Council President, >> my vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are seven in favor,
two against. Item number 64 is hereby adopted. No, it's eight in favor, one against. >> I'm sorry. >> It's eight in favor, one against. >> Eight in favor, >> one against. >> Who else is here? >> Seven in favor, two against.
>> Who else voted against it, madam clerk? >> Two against. You voted against. >> I'm sorry. There was only one no vote. That was Councilman Jackson. >> He voted against and Okay. I'm sorry. >> It's okay, Madam Clerk. No problem. Eight in favor, one against. Item number
64 C adopted. >> Thank you, Madam Cler. Payment of bills. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Good evening, Patterson. Uh to my council colleagues, uh we have before us uh uh payment of bill summary of dispersements for 2
million uh $880,89121. Uh there was no payroll. Uh all computer checks were a total of 2,880,89121. Uh capital fund uh the $827,000 uh $14.65 were for dispatch and River Street. Uh
and the majority of the grant fund $768 uh,9729 was for the Vera Ames Park. My motion is for uh summer second. Motion by Motion by council vice president Davis. Second by council my
colleague. Roll call. Madam clerk. Madam >> Madam President. >> Um discussion council. Um Councilman Jackson. >> I would like to make a motion to separate the item for Ver Ames Park from these items. Please.
>> Is there a second? >> Is there a second? >> Is there a second? >> No. The motion >> fail. >> Fails. Just roll. >> Roll call. Madam clerk.
>> Roll call on the payment of bills in the amount of 2 million80,89121. Councilwoman Cotton. >> Councilwoman Dava. >> Yes. >> Councilman Jackson. I'mma pass right now, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Khalik. >> Yes, Madam Clerk.
>> Councilman Mendes. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Uh before my vote, Madam Clerk, uh I know the uh we have Mr. Harry um on behalf of our VA of the city. But last week at the payment of bill last week, I request information
about the company that we hired. This governing body hired a third party company to oversee the project, the reconstruction of River Street. I've been speaking about this. This is one of the most important project right now. We're spending over $10 million on the reconstruction of River Street. And not
only River Street not only cover the third war, go through the third war, the fourth war, and the first war. I have not seen that company on site. I've been there three time Mr. Harry looking for the person who's uh who's representing the company because the agreement was that there's going to be a member an
engineer overseeing the project from the beginning to the end. We got to do it right the first time. I need that information. I've been there three time and I have not se I haven't seen anybody that represent that company and I also need uh to know Mr. CFO if we cut any check for that company. So I have not
seen them on site. Um so I'm expecting to get that information. With that being said, my vote is yes, Mr. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Omar, >> my vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Nuden. >> Yes, ma'am. Councilman Vez, >> last Tuesday, um
I asked an important question regarding the payment of bills that we every Tuesday we vote here and the perception is we vote for payment of bills, but the
the C CFO on the record stated that check a cut, but the fund are not released And sometimes those checks sit on the draw. And that's why the city
have a reputation of paying late or making those vendors come and pick up the check and that's when they remember they take the check out the draw to give it to them. Um, and I got to say it again. I'm voting for payment of bills
just to cut a check, but that don't guarantee that tomorrow you're going to get that check. My vote is yes. Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Jackson, >> I I don't understand the logic behind that. But >> you don't understand. Do your statement.
>> Councilman, Councilman Jackson has the floor. >> He directed to me. >> I did not direct one thing to I would not direct anything to someone who couldn't understand what I'm what I'm asking anyway. But the notion that our
job is just to vote yes so the checks that have been cut could be released is exactly why we're in the position we're in. See, it takes bold, courageous leadership to understand when certain things are necessary. Right? Because
many of you who are frequent visitors, I see we have a lot of new faces. But the normal response is if we don't vote then we can't pay the employees. If we don't do this then we can't do that.
You you sat here and watched how I've done on many occasions just to separate the one item ver as uh uh park. I mean, listen, just because the park's on the agenda doesn't mean that I'm going to be in in an
affirmative vote. I do support the Vera Ames Park. I don't support what was spent there, but the fact that this park is being is is a recognition of all her years of commitment and hard work. I I have to respect that. But
this is where we're bleeding. This right here is where we're bleeding. The irresponsible conduct of council. You know how much money to the young brothers in the back. I'm sure you probably don't even have a clue how much money comes through this city that never hits the ground in our communities. That
these people just sit here and vote to pay people. He just talked about how the job that was supposed to be done on River Street still isn't done. It was projected to be done at certain time. Still, he wants reports. We never get the reports. Yet he vote yes.
Your authority is right here. This is the time. It's not on tomorrow morning to call somebody after their item has failed or tomorrow go jump on the back of a garbage truck, help them pick up the garbage. No. Right here. This is
your job right here. In fact, the payment of bills is our biggest and most responsible act as a council person that you can have. just to be responsible on how poorly the money is being spent. This this is just another example of it.
So, by no means, no way can I support any bills list that doesn't have any responsible reporting. And I know Miss M Councilwoman uh Ames is watching. I know she's going to be upset with me. She's going to call me tomorrow and yell at me. But I it's it's what I have to do. I
cannot. In fact, I'm going to get you a shirt, Councilwoman. I promise it's going to say eight in favor and one against. Madame clerk, my vote is no. >> Thank you, Councilman. Council President. >> Yes. So, the majority of this bill is for Vera Ames Park and for River Street.
My vote is yes. >> Thank you. The votes are eight in favor, one against. Payment of bills is hereby adopted. >> Thank you. At this time, we have a special presentation from Councilwoman Cotton. Thank you. Um, thank you, Madam President. Can I have Ann Marie Palra
come up, please? Every month, let me just say that every month each council person here is their month to have the prayer rendered or they have any kind of special presentation.
Um and I just would like to share some things of some of my thoughts that um it that's happened with me. Um I want to thank Marie Lagon from Bethl Amy Church which is on the corner of Auburn and
Governor. Um they're they're coming back and I'm asking all of you if you're able to on Sunday they have a special service at 5:30 if you would like to join in and fellowship to me it's nice to fellowship with other
congregations with other pastors it's it's a it's a good feeling but also now with this present this ceremony that I'm getting ready to do but I want to say that sometimes you know people will say that no one cares
and there's a lot of people here who cares and I say but it takes more than just city government it takes organizations like Hmel's beginning a bar McIntyre Tommy Keelium it takes organization like
Patterson healing collective Casey Melvin Lisa Chowry it takes organizations like Jumpstart start with Jamie Bland for our youth. You know, it takes us to to render to
help one another. And I remember being on the PTA in the city of Patterson at East Side High School and we would say not only adopt a kid, adopt a family because the whole family needs help and it takes more than just the government, it takes all of us at organization. But
I had asked this young lady to come in tonight and I want to thank Dr. Moody. I have gone to five of his graduations from tier one. I want to thank New Jersey Re-entry with Jada Fulmore. When
I call her for stuff that I need for my community, they reach out to me. It's about partnership. It's about relationships. If I can find someone to help someone, that's what I'm to do. Find someone to help because I can't and we all sitting
up here cannot do it all. But I had just a good feeling and I've gone to tier one. Dr. Willie Moody graduations. This is his fifth year. Amarie was one of the students that graduated.
Tier one recovery. And it takes more. And it takes And it takes more. It takes a community to to come together to help. And I see that you I called Dr. Moody this morning and I see that he has some
of your people with you. >> But and I'm and I say thank you all for coming out cuz it's about supporting and showing love. Sometimes we need to show love to people. It's not about fussing and arguing and and your face look I
don't know like what and it's about showing love to say you know what I know it's not an easy road. This is what we need to do is to help when we can and where we can. And there's so many organizations here that want to do that and people can think how they want, but
I always been like a volunteer type person. But I went to the graduation and um I Marie Palro, they said to her, "Hit a note." And she hid the note. So I
said, "You know what I told her? I said there's 30,000 people watching and you never know who going to be watching or who going to connect and who going to say something or who going to help. You don't know who's watching you and everybody is watching us. So, we need to
make sure that okay, let's show positive stuff sometimes. Let's be positive. Amarie, I appreciate you coming. When I heard your voice, it was wonderful. And I want to share her voice with all of you out there and the 30 other thousand people
watching on YouTube. And Amarie, thank you for coming and spending this little bit of time. And here you go. >> It's my pleasure. >> There's a hero if you look inside your heart.
You don't have to be afraid of what you are. There's an answer. If you reach into your soul and the sorrow that you know will melt
away. And then a hero comes alone with the strength to car and you cast your fears aside
and you know you can feel like you and And you'll finally see the truth that a hero lies in you. It's a long road
when you face the world alone. No one reaches out a hand for you to hold. You can find if you search within yourself
and that sorrow that you know won't disappear. And then a hero comes along with the strength to carry on and you cast your fears aside
and you know you can surive. So when you feel like hope is gone, just look inside you and be strong. And you'll finally see the truth
that a hero lies in you. Dreams are hard to follow, but don't let anyone tear them away. But don't you'll find a way.
And then a hero comes along with strength to carry on. And you cast your fears aside and you know you can surive.
When you feel like hope is gone, just look inside you and be strong. And you'll finally see the truth. Let a hero
sing. You Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Item number 63. Very Thank you so much. That was awesome. Thank you, Councilwoman Cotton.
Madame Clerk, item number 63. Item number 63 is a resolution appointing Lauren Francis Nance as a commissioner to the Patterson Housing Board sponsored by Council President Dr. Lisa Mims city council
resolution number 25 colon 526. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by council president Mims. Second by Councilman Khalik. >> Discussion. >> Discussion. Councilman Veles. >> Thank you, Council President. There has been some um
statement made. There have been videos and people alarm from this appointee. Not this one, the one previous.
So through the chair to legal department, I have the resolution that was read on the record
on July 12th, 2024. that the title says resolution amending resolution number 20 >> column 346 to give the housing authority commissioner Paula Arford her full term
of five years that's the title the word amending is in here what what it in that time and she rest in peace the first Whereas say resolution 2346
appointed Polo Alpha Commissioner of the Patterson Housing Authority commercing on July 1st, 2020 and expiring on June 30, 2024 for a 4 years term.
However, based on NJSA 4812817, her appointment should have been for 5 years. And the second whereas says the municipal council which is to
amend resolution in that time 2346 to appoint commissioner Paula offer for a full term a five years term now set to expire on June 30, 2025.
This was signed by Mr. Abushi on July 12, 2024. The amendment expire
on June 30, 2025. Okay. So, the only the only part that that is a little bit confusing is that
the title, the word amending was probably not the strongest word in the resolution. But yes, it was in the body and it was explained in the body why this amendment
was done in that time in 2024. Um and it's clear that it was to amend the remaining of the five years for one year of amendment that was expiring on June 30, 2025.
This is the resolution and it's loud and clear that the matter president has the um the will and the right to appoint somebody for the
remaining or the new term starting in June 30, 2025 up to five years in uh the position as as as as a commissioner. Uh the reason I'm reading this on the floor uh is here
loud and clear. there was a lot of things mentioned and um and I think that um is is do notice in my case corporate council um if I'm wrong uh you could
clarify but the title of the five-year term it was they was um avoiding in in public actually the word amending for the for for the remaining year that she was missing that was four
years and had to add another year on it. So, >> thank you, Councilman. >> Thank you, Council President. >> You're welcome, Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Council President. First, I don't understand how this became such an issue. I mean, but just for a point of
clarity because I think it's very important that we understand um the purpose, why we here, why we what our purpose should be, right? And um so it was various comments on on Facebook
and it's amazing when people think that you that you're in agreement with their position they will say thank you thank you and yeah I appreciate that and the moment that you see something different uh then they all of a sudden oh
everybody knows you don't read anyway excuse my language right but that's I'm quoting but my representation here is very very uh uh consistent. It's about the facts. It's about uh what's right. And
initially, I'll be the first to acknowledge that I too I saw the the video and I do recall us making the vote and I do understand that the appointment for the authorities are for 5 years and
it's set by statute. So I agreed I agreed with the people who had felt as if there was a uh something that was done potentially being done inappropriate and I thought that it was being hidden on consent agenda because that's what was being promoted and I said that I would request for it to come
off. Then I got a call from one of my council members which I respect and appreciate despite we may have differences of opinion. We always can call each other and say, "Hey, and if you're telling me something that's logical and that's legit and I'm still
gonna disagree with it." I mean, that doesn't make sense. If it if it's the right thing, then I have to acknowledge that, you know what? And I got on the the post and I said, you know what, FYI, I stand corrected as I often do. I don't have an issue with apologizing when I'm
wrong because And then I went into defense mode. I went to protection mode because I was then going to protect the legacy of Miss Jackie Murray who I respect greatly because I thought maybe she had misqued or she said something in
incorrect. Then I watched the video again and I saw she said exactly what it was. She said this vote was to give the full term of 5 years. Then I read the legislation. You don't need to be an attorney. In fact, we see it here every
night. people with with law degrees are still lie to you and they'll try to mislead you. If you can't read it for yourself, then you're in big trouble. But I'll say this and and and I will, you know, I want to acknowledge because
when the former BA and I apologize for being lengthy, but this is necessary. when the former BA came on, you know, she touted, oh, this Georgetown degree. She went on in the paper and she wrote a uh a column or a response directly towards me. It was very in it was rather
insulting and I didn't come here and take it personal. I did the same. I went I wrote a rebuttal. I guess she assumed because I'm just a young black Spanish kid from Patterson that I couldn't write or I didn't have the capacity to to uh
uh uh to have a rebuttal of such. But I'll tell you what, there was never any other articles written after that point. Right? In fact, it was a lot uh of defense. And I I'll say this, I'll acknowledge I wasn't the best student at Kennedy.
I had a lot of different things. I know you you ain't happy with the lengthiness, but it's it's important. It's relevant. But I did have an opportunity through a football scholarship to go on to a higher learning institution where I then then saw the importance and I had a real
mentor who in 1917 through 1925 served as president of the Florida Feder Federation of Colored Women. from 1920 1925 served as as president of 12 state southern federations of color women. Founded a home of delinquent black girls
in Florida. Worked to register black voters. Won the presidency of the organization in 1924 where she led for two terms. 1935 persuaded women leaders of National Council of Women that represented more
than 29 different groups around the country to vote in favor of the organization the National Council of Negro Women which we still have people like Wahita Muhammad, Miss Shirley Alexander and many others who are still a part of. Right. December 5th, 1935 was officially established in Harlem, New
York where she became the president. 1938 appointed by the mayor of Daytona Beach as one of the commissioners of the housing authority called uh Nathan Nathan Strauss never got an answer. So she then ended up
calling the White House spoke to Eleanor Roosevelt and won $500,000 in 1938 to build public housing. Ground was broken in 1938. Eleanor Ros Eleanor Roosevelt requested a a seat
next to this woman in the Southern Conference on human welfare disregarding the state segregation laws at the time. So Eleanor Roosevelt, the president of the vice president, felt that she had to sit next to this woman, a black woman during this time, didn't care about the
segregation. So she went on to do many, many different things. And you know sometimes I I I like look at certain things certain circumstances because you know my desire to go to college was to play football. I didn't realize why I went to
and I didn't even know many of this these things. Coincidentally I happened to see came across a a a a program today on YouTube about Maryl Bthun and what she did when she became the president of the housing organization. She made sure
that public housing was made available for all our people at an abundant rate. What we have witnessed in the city of Patterson is the decline of public housing, is the deterioration of public housing. We've witnessed private
takeover of public housing. We watch we're watching developers take over and control the the landscape when it comes to public housing. And those who have been appointed as commissioners have dropped the ball and they're watching
our community be ran taken over and yet they still demand and expect to be reappointed. I am 100% in favor of this reappoint of this new appointment. Now, I was, if
this was done incorrectly, I would have stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the previous appointee because I think that everything should be done with a certain measure of of of of uh validity and and and trust and uh respect and honesty.
And this was there was no dishonest process in this. So, everybody that's over there complaining about what it is and what they think it is, you're wrong. This is done properly. And more importantly, I'm looking forward to whomever the new appointee is to
understand the the job at hand, to understand the responsibility, to understand that everybody who's talking about, oh, he's talking about black. It's not just about black people. It's just so happened that during that time in 1920, 1912, 1938, it was
primarily black people, but black those doors have been open for everyone. Now, when you look at the rental rates at $3,000, $2,700, $2,500, the housing authority has dropped the ball when it comes to taking care of the
the concerns of our residents. And I'll just rest it there. You have a bigger responsibility. And if one black woman can do it in 1930 when the entire world was against her and all the things that you've been given, to whom much is given, much is expected. you should have
much more to show for over the last 5 years than what we have already. What we've seen is a decline in the quality of public housing. We're seeing people being mistreated. And if I could just talk about the number of evictions that's been going on, the illegal
evictions, people being paid for parking, the legal department of the city failing to fight on behalf of our community. And then you got the nerve to get an appointment and you don't even want to take phone calls. You won't take nothing. You saying, "Listen, you got to email me in a community where most people may not even have a computer."
No, you don't deserve to be there. Whoever's going to be there deserves to have the back and take care of our residents all the time. And you know what? And just I'll say this, I didn't understand it when I went to Mary when I went to Padon Cookman
College, played division one football. I didn't really understand it. Then my brother goes on Ohio State. I was like, you know, but now in un truly understanding the work that this woman has done and what trails that she have paved in order for every single person
in this room to even to be sitting here, you know, and us to turn our back on that. Man, I'm grateful for the for the scholarship that was offered to me during that time. And I'm grateful and proud to have said that I learned in an institution that the model is enter to learn and depart to serve. And that's
exactly what I'm doing here. And that's exactly what we will be doing when we when we re reclaim the seat and appoint a new person. Thank you, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Jackson. Roll call, Madam Clerk. >> On item number 63. >> Roll call on item number 63 for
adoption. Councilwoman Cotton. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Dava. >> Yes. >> Councilman Jackson. >> Yes. Madam Clerk. >> Thank you. Counciloman Kik. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Mendes. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. And I I'll definitely I will be brief but um you
know I'm very respectful with every with my council colleague when it comes to their appointment. I'm very I don't get involved. Every council member has the right to appoint the person that they feel but there was a lot of conflict with this uh piece of legislation with this appointment. I truly uh rely and
believe on our corporation council and the job that he always do. uh one of his main priorities to protect this council, make sure that we don't take a decision that will put Padis at risk of of getting another lawsuit of those many that we have. So that's his job also as
well. So it's not that I rely uh I I do my research, but you know, I definitely rely on him and I knew that our council president was correct. I know she was doing her job and I know she was acting on her full capacity to be able to appoint the person that she believed
that could serve this community. And I definitely do I have to agree with Councilman Jackson. The Patterson Housing Authority failed this community. Yes. What the main job of the Patterson Housing Authority is provide affordable housing to our community is also make sure that those uh building that we have
that they are in a good condition and that they are well taken care and everybody know that the struggle that I'm that I have with Heritage Place and all the location in the third war and all the coal. I'm definitely I'm not satisfied and I really hope that I change because housing is really is a
need in our community. We have a lot of people struggling, a lot of people getting evicted and we need people that really care. We need people that care. We need people that know and understand the community that they serving in the city of Patterson. My vote is yes, Madam Clerk.
>> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Omar, >> my vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Uden. >> Yes. >> Councilman Veles. First of all, I was reading the uh resume of uh Lauren Francis uh Nance. Real impressive. Uh Councilwoman uh uh
>> absolutely >> um >> question me. Um I think this is uh the right choice at this time for move forward and the five years appointment. Uh but let me set the record clear in something.
I am the chair of statuto agency. I cannot sit here and badge the housing authority that they have failed our community. >> There's some issues that had to be corrected.
There's some situation that had to be addressed. But to say they have failed, I don't think so. that something sometime don't go our
ways what we want that's another thing because when we don't want when we don't get what we want we start batching that's the problem I have more seniors building in my ward and I know
how they have improved those building and I know that you cannot satisfy everybody 100% % saying that council president congratulation you know we cannot point and then ask favors
so saying that um congratulation again and and congratulation to the new commissioner of housing authority my voice yes >> thank you council president >> so tonight is about commissioner Lauren Francy's n So, let me say to the public
at large, as any elected official, we have the opportunity based on the appointments we have to appoint individuals they serve. We can reappoint them or appoint someone else. There's a list of people that want to serve the great city of Patterson. And I'm
grateful that I'm one person and others have done it as well that give people the opportunity to serve. I know without a shadow of a doubt, Miss Commissioner Nance is going to do a phenomenal job. many people respect and know her in the community from the work she's already
doing and has done. I know she's going to go to the board um and help take it to another level um and then have a open communication vehicle with the residents with the um with the housing board um Miss Irma and and the team. Um and I'm
looking forward to it. It's good to appoint people that have been in Patterson for a very very long time. I saw the attacks on Facebook. I saw the negative comments, but you know what? I never have to defend lies.
There's a quote that says this, "A lie has wings. It travels fast and it spreads very wide. But a truth has feet. It takes its time to get there, but when it arrives, it stands on its own." So tonight, you hear the truth. The truth
stands for itself. I can tell you I've been attacked. I've been bullied. My life was threatened and so many things that I could go on and on to talk about, but guess what? God is good. And tonight, we're appointing a new commissioner to
the housing commission for 5 years. Congratulations, Commissioner Lauren Nance. Item number 62. Madam Clerk, your vote. Oh. Oh, my vote. >> Let me vote for you. Let me vote for you. My vote is absolutely yes. >> Madam clerk,
>> like to recall my vote, please. >> Okay. >> Thank you. And Miss Nance, congratulations. Trust, I would not be changing my vote for you, but I do have to correct a few. You know, as Councilwoman, Council President just talked about lies that I don't know the quote. Not going to misquote it. Lies
that have wings. Not going to sit here and let people sit here and lie. >> Talk about the housing authority and the great job they're doing. If if you talk to any one of the residents on on on Graham Avenue on Rosa Parks,
not one good thing do they have to say even including the fact that they they mix the building up to have younger people living with seniors. Go down to the six ward and my and young council colleague right there, he'll he'll attest to this. There was months that garbage was being
overran in that parking lot. people sleeping in the in the quarters. Go down there. Mr. Olivaris and I have went there where we the pe there's tape on the back entrances, windows broken. The facilities are horrendous. The senior
citizens are are are being mistreated. Then they have concerns that some of their their their their co-inhabitors that are losing their lives, they're not being discovered to weeks later because they're talking about room checks. There's when you talking about a
derelict, a duty, this what we're talking about. And then Councilman Mendes, brother, I have no idea what planet you're living on to talk about corporation council has the duty. He protects us. He gives us the right uh uh
advice. He has failed to advise this council on lawsuits time and time again. In fact, Mr. Dave Gilmore, a prime example. Currently in court, the judge has been demanding for them the city to show up and we show up with no information. We
don't show up at all. He's going to crack us over the head for five plus million dollars. And we're paying I could sit here all night and give you example after example after example. The dereliction of duty, which by the way, this council fails to hold them accountable. Please,
let's stop praising people. Let's stop talking about how fantastic they are. Let's open our eyes to the conditions that's going on in our city. Let's protect our residents. Let's do what we're supposed to do. All of you acknowledge that no resident in the city of Patterson should be getting
charged for parking. I brought a number of different items to to uh uh uh to the to corporation council's office and not one resident has been served yet. Thank God for people like Mr. Victor Obias is giving up his his his time pro bono to
go into court and say and and and defend people that's being mistreated. Why you going to sit here and praise somebody who drives in this city every day in a Mercedes bins and drives right out of it when the traffic is being over? Come on, man. Let's talk about
what it really is. If you want the city to get better, you're going to have you're going to have to be truthful about the conditions. The housing authority is a travesty. It is a travesty. It has not is far cry from what my parents grew up in back in the
day. Let's talk about inventory. We cut inventory from thousands at Christopher Columbus only to put 247 units there, of which the developer walked away with a $25 million developer fee. Came to this podium, disrespected us, called me out,
and all of you all voted in favor. I was yet a eight aid in favor one against D and two. Then he broke ground in Fifth Avenue reduced the number of units charging astronomical amount of money for those poorly built facilities while we have
people now scouring looking around for apartments because housing authority has reduced the inventory. Grand Street is gone. Fifth Avenue is reduced to to minimized. CCP is minimized. Alabama and never mind all the people that you guys see it on my page where they got mold
and black mold in their in the vents of their apartments. The the the the facilities are being overrun and then they can't even get any respect from the management companies that housing turned over the management to Mr. Watkins uh uh uh used to be the head
of maintenance. There was 205 maintenance people that work for housing. Now there's four. Four. So you talk about giving away jobs, letting everybody from outside the community work. If you guys don't believe me, go park over there by the
Christopher Hope, the OCCP for the day. Look at all those people that's working there. Count the number of Patterson people getting paid to work there. Then go talk to the residents. Talk about how their their their new remodel facilities are.
Then they illegally, which I brought the corporation council again, they illegally forced those people to move out only to be able to recast their lease agreements in a different corporation name just so they can increase the rents.
>> This is the truth. These are the facts. But he's going to act like he's scribbling on a piece of paper and give somebody some praises that doesn't that he doesn't deserve. I won't sit here and allow it. I'm going to call it what it is. If your jump shot is broken, I'mma call it broken sir.
>> If you can make a layup, hey, then we'll cheer for you. You can't even make a layup around here, man. We're getting blown out and you still talk clapping and cheering on the sideline on how great we're playing. No, we are losing. We are losing badly. And it's because of
the decisions that's being made here in this council. Ultimately, decisions being made by you, the voters, to put these people here. I'm arrested there. Madam clerk, my vote still stands. My vote is yes. I look forward to the new
job, to the pressure, to the to the uh uh responsibility that this this new position would be hold uh holding. Thank you, madam clerk. My vote is yes. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number 63 is here. >> Item number 67, madam clerk.
>> 67. Item number 67 is a resolution authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $65 million tax anticipation notes of 2025 of the city of Patterson and the county of Pay, state of New
Jersey, finance resolution number 2530. >> So moved. >> Second move by council um vice president Davis. Second by council president me. Discussion by council member >> uh through the chair, CFO or Mr. administrator.
So, the city is going to ask for $65 million um uh $65 million loan to the county. >> That's correct. >> That's correct. >> Well, what's the purpose for that $65
million >> CF? Um the purpose is right now the city has $20 million in cash um for the next that would cover us for the next four payrolls. Um four payrolls is about $20
million about $5 million a piece. So there's no tax bills going out. I would my guess would be taxes wouldn't be due until around December 15th. So the city would not be able to pay any bills if this is not passed. So, so you could ask
a loan $65 million to for for for payroll. The uh let me hold on. Let me ask the corporation council. >> Legally, they could ask for a loan for payroll. >> Corporation council. >> That question would be for Harry.
>> That's that's the BA. >> No, I say legally. And then the CEO CFO or the VA could tell me if they could borrow to pay salary. >> That that's a question for the BA. Harry, could you please answer for council? >> So it's not it's not only for payroll.
Councilman. >> Okay. So >> it's for all payments. >> So So leave leave the sal because that's what Councilman Jackson just always say. Everything is salary. They justify we need to pay payroll payroll. Then they fall into that. What else is for you?
65. We have insurance payments. Um, right now we're till the end of the year it would be five insurance payments which would be $26 million. We have four school payments which would be $25 million from here till the end of the year. Um, then vendors that we have to
pay um where there's Vera Ames tonight that vendor all vendors that would go through the bill list. So, uh, what is the, uh, the city debt right now with the bonding and all that stuff? >> The our rating?
>> Yeah. No, that depth. You know, how much we owe, you know, >> uh, $65 million in debt? >> 65 million. >> Yes. >> And you're going to borrow 65 million. >> This is to borrow cash. Yes. This is to borrow cash for >> How much How much we have in our credit
card? right now cashwise this is for just for cash sir >> this >> this this is said for me >> tell me the revenues uh in in one year you know what what what we anticipate
>> so >> instead of going out and and and and borrow from the county >> so it's it's really a cash timing issue we collect cash um February 1st May 1st um August 1st and November 1st. We're
not going to collect the cash in November 1st. Like I said, we're going to collect that fourth quarter bills somewhere around December 15th. >> Oh, you got a crystal ball that say we're not going to collect or is that you you it's happening before? >> No, that's going to be the earliest we collect the cash cuz if we pass the
budget on I believe the meeting in November is the 11th or the 12th. So, we we would have to give them 25 days mailing from when we mailed the bills. So la last question. What brought us No, not us. The
administration if it was a failure of something, if they didn't something right or they spent more or they or they tell me why, you know, tell me why. Because you had to convince me to give you a blank check
>> again. and and and and to say that you could have used it for salary and other things. >> Look at the 86 million I think it was from the ARP. >> 64 million. >> 64 million ARP.
You know where it went to? Okay. Oh, we did parks and we did this and roads and you know we shorthanded the community with a recreation center. um you know 65 million ladies and
gentlemen taxpayer had to pay back >> you know 65 million taxpayer had to pay back >> and is in other words I'm signing if if if we move forward so they had to convince me right so if I'm signing
today I'm putting a $65 million to the mayor first of all without a clear plan where they're going to spend it and then they cannot tell me how much we owe and this is going to create more
debt to the city of Patterson. >> Now the word in the back and back back here was we need to bond. We need to bond and they used to go and bond. Now they're going to go to the county and ask for a loan $65 million.
>> Wow. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Council President C. Council >> President Council. >> Thank you. Thank you, Council President. Uh Mr. CFO, um you you know, you just mentioned that two light items and payroll out of the $65 million. you have
a list of area that that you're planning to cover specifically with the $65 million because I haven't seen I think that if you presenting that that this is a very tough decision for the council and a very important decision and the city we we we're we're I'm very
concerned about our financial situation right now. So the first thing that you should do before this meeting is to have a meeting and present it a specific list on how we're planning to distribute it the $65 million first of all but also but my main question how this going to
this is going to impact our bond capacity. >> It doesn't impact our bond capacity. We're borrowing we're borrowing cash. So we're borrowing $65 million. We're going to pay 65 million we're going to pay 65 plus interest in by about March. So
really, we just have to pay the interest back cuz once we get tax money in for December and February, that will cover us. It's just like I said, it's timing of when our cash comes in. >> I totally understand that >> we're borrowing 65. We're only paying interest back on it.
>> It's going to be somewhere around $2 or $3 million. >> I understand that. But remember, you need six vote in order for this to pass to not five. We need you need five, but you need five. And as you know, we going through a very difficult situation in the city of Patterson financially. We are we are in the last inning and we
haven't be able to adopt the budget right now at this time because we're struggling with the 3.5 try to reduce it and quite honestly I don't have that much faith on that. I'm extremely concerned about our homeowners in the city of Patterson and everything related with finance. We have to sit down and we
have we need to have a conversation and those number they need to make sense and we need to know every area where those money will be spending. As you know our homeowners they already struggling as it is and I know they're going to get hit with more than 2% uh once we adopt the budget. I don't have that much faith
that we're going to be able to reduce it uh before the number that we have in in in know in the right now in front of us. So I will rest my case there. Uh, council president. Thank >> Councilman Khalik and Councilman Jackson. >> Okay. Thank you. Um,
Madame President, what I have understood from this resolution basically is a referral payments. Is that true? Like for the fourth quarter, our tax bill hasn't even gone out and we don't have the cash on hand. Cash on
hand. This money that we're borrowing basically our fourth quarter tax bill which is going to come back soon as we How much do you anticipate getting back on the tax bill in the fourth quarter? >> $70 million. >> How much? >> 70 to $75 million.
>> Million and we are borrowing $65 million. Correct. >> Correct. >> Also, why are we in this situation? >> Um so once we went over >> because we moved to calendar. Yeah, >> we went to calendar. Correct. You you should have explained it better to the council so they should have understand
this is going to happen every year going moving forward. Correct. >> Yes. >> That's all. Thank you. >> Councilman Jackson. So >> for everybody in the audience and everyone at home watching, let me
explain it in a language that you could truly understand. Because >> what we witness in here, right, >> is people that got paid on Friday, >> went to the club on Saturday,
>> brought bottles, >> took out all the extra money and just started making it rain in the club. And now the first comes on Wednesday and they don't have the rent to pay. So now
they gonna go and try to borrow it. But now we're going to have to spend an additional $2 million. What? He said, "Okay, what?" So 65 million. What's the What's the interest rate? >> We're going to go out to market. So
we're not sure yet what the interest rate will be. >> What? We're not sure yet what the interest rate is going to be. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Hold on. >> 87 million back. 87 million back. >> Hold on. Hold on. >> So, if people if this isn't the example
of the bamboozle, right? You go to your you you go to to to your mother's mother and say, "Listen, can I borrow 65?" Right? And she's like, "All right, well, how much you going to pay me back?" I
don't know yet. So he says he's here asking the council for their vote of support and we're going to go out to the market. We don't know how much we're going to pay yet. >> It's going to be around 3 to 5%, but I can't give you an exact number.
>> Anywhere from 3 to five. So let's take four. >> At even at 4% is 2.2.6 million. $2.6 million that we just throwing away, right? Which by the way, by the way, you
hear all these people complaining, right? Marge Chiron told us this was a mistake. Do not go to move to a calendar year, stay on a fiscal year. This guy right here with his backdoor deals bamboozled
got the council. They they swindled Marge out of her position, right? And then even let's say even in the tax collector's office, we talked about it last week. They're short on staff so much that
we don't even know if this delinquency because I don't remember us borrowing $65 million from the county last year. Did we borrow 65 from the county last year? >> No, we didn't. Oh. Oh. Oh. They was at the club flossing it up with with with all the uh the
>> uh co money, >> right? And I kept saying, "Hey, where are we spending this money at?" Right? No reports. And everybody here, "Ah, no worry about it." In fact, down there
on the end, my man, the main one at every press conference, cutting ribbons, partying, he drunk they champagne, and now he's kicking it back in. If it's this is comedy, you can't make
anything up better than this. Every single press release, every single ribbon cutting, he's there holding the mayor's hand. Now, he's kicking it back. know what how much we have on our credit card. If people only knew what they were
losing in Councilman McCoy and Councilman Mars, that was a more responsible leadership that during that time holding people accountable, right? Jeff Jones didn't get to do what this mayor is doing. This mayor, he can't even keep a
a full staff. He got the Harris Sale working outside the title so often the BA just just threw in the towel. Miss Alexander, before you before you go, I I sent the request. How many requests did we send to the housing authority for
their budget? Was it four requests? Did we get an answer back? Did we get their budget back yet? >> Simple yes or no. It would suffice. >> No, we didn't get a response. So, this is this is just so you you guys know that I'm always trying to hold them
accountable. You hear me talking about reports on the spending for the art money, reports on how much we doing this, the housing authority, they just ignore me because they know I don't have the support of council. If this council sent the a memorandum said, "Listen, I
want the budget for the housing authority for for the last 5 years. I want to know how much developers have been making in developers fees. I want to know how many residents have been evicted. I want to know all I want to have all of this information. We will get it. But because we go to parties,
they're cracking bottles on on our money, on your money, and then they want to sit here and act like it's the mayor's fault. No, this was a Everybody went to the party. >> Everybody went to the party. The council was at the party. Mayor is at the party.
And then, by the way, this is just a quick little plug. while they're trying to convince you their candidates are the best for you in this upcoming election. Kinyatta Stewart, Benji Wimbley, those are the only people in that blue line that could get my support that have
shown consistency. Everybody else, they pop up out of nowhere. They were they were former Republicans. Former Republicans. They come here and give you some water and talk nice to you
and all of a sudden, oh, he's so nice. Yeah, whatever. That entire ticket if they come knocking on your door. Listen, point of clarity. Can y'all call me say, "Hey, you come knock with me?" Sure. Absolutely. I support you a thousand%. Letting you know if anybody else from
the Democratic party is with you when we knock on the door, if there's anybody that supports me, I'mma tell them this person is full of garbage. do not vote for them. And thankfully, they didn't come that day because I'm gonna tell you the truth. If you guys continue to vote
the way you're voting, look what you're getting. You're getting people that questions that he's never going to answer. They already talked about the questions that they're going to ask in the back room before they came out here. He doesn't have an answer for us. He doesn't have an answer. He has no clue.
In fact, I have a question for you. the young lady that's being paid by the city to work on the weekends that we're paying $300 an hour. >> Why? Why is that happening? >> I've never replaced my assistant CFO.
She help She's helping me catch up. >> So, we She's helping him catch up. >> Yes. By the way, he's the CFO, the finance director. He's all of the above. We're paying someone to come do his work
on the weekends. Why isn't he here on the weekends doing that work? >> I am I am in on the weekends. >> N you're not. The other night when I the other day when I came here, all the lights was off. She got started. Oh my god. I was like, "Oh, wow." Okay. 300 an hour.
$300 an hour. Hey, Council McCoy, you got the background. That's a lot of scratch, man. >> Councilman Jackson. >> Well, I'm just trying to drive the home appointment uh home. Uh Council President, I appreciate. So, um we can
we can we can move forward on the vote. I'm ready to go. >> Motion. Roll call. Madam clerk. >> Council President. >> Roll call. M Councilwoman Cotton. >> Um CFO, I need you. Um you said you said that
what's the reason why the tax bill >> we haven't >> um to the public >> we can't send out a >> we can't hear >> he can't send the business we haven't >> council cotton >> but we sent out the we sent out the tax bill for August what happened with November >> we can't send out tax bills until we adopt the budget
>> oh but we introduced it we still can't send out the tax bills by introduction >> we did an estimated um third quarter taxes for third quarter we can't we can't send out >> so you just the estimate. So, >> so in other words, let me just say 26 million is for >> it's for
>> No, give me the breakdown for the 65. That's what I'm asking. Give me the breakdown. >> I still need the breakdown. What's the breakdown for the 65 million? >> So, the major the major things >> the what? >> For the major things. >> Speak louder, >> right? I can't hear you. >> So, the major things The major things
are >> we got to pay school. >> The what now? >> We got to pay the school board. >> And how much is school board? >> $64 million. I'm sorry. $25 million. >> Okay. And then what was this 26 for? >> The 26 is for health insurance. >> Health insurance. >> Okay. >> We have to pay. Now, let me ask you
something. We have to pay. >> Wait a second. Wait a second. If we don't pay the health insurance, what happens? >> Um >> when do when do they uh what they call uh drop us? >> I don't have I don't know. >> I'm saying if we don't pay the health insurance, you know how you get a
cancellation or you have not paid your bill. I give you 30 days. >> It might be three months. >> Two months they would. Okay. two or three months. Yeah, >> you might get two months under health insurance. And what was the next one? >> School and then sewage. >> Huh? >> Sewage. >> And how much is that? >> That's $4.5 million.
>> Oh, that's only4 million. Okay. >> Payroll. >> No, no. Payroll is 20 million. You say >> payroll. Payroll for the next four is 20 is >> is 20 million for the next. So that's >> So then there would be two additional payrolls till the end of the year. So it' be an additional $10 million. >> Uh-huh. So you got 20 million for for
payroll, 25 for school, 26 for health benefits because you got a item on here now that they want to change the health um health benefits and then you got 4 million for sewer. Now I'm not sure what happens when you don't pay your sewer bill. I'm not sure
what they do. >> They charge us interest. >> They just charge interest because they can't stop you from flushing the toilet >> or anything like that. So 26 million. Now, what happens? Um, Javier, director, um, this don't pass. What happens?
>> I can't pay any bills cuz I need to make sure we cover. >> So, when is next payroll? Next paper was Friday coming. >> So, the 20, we would have 20, we have $20 million on hand. >> Oh, you have 20 million still. >> That again, that covers us until December >> to when? >> Till December. >> To December.
>> So, I would not be able to pay anything else until December. >> You know what? They You know what? Then, >> council president Javier, I you know I know health benefit health benefits is important. I know payroll is important. Those are the two things to me that are really important.
I mean you can hold out of school. You can hold I mean even health benefits you know you not pay it then you you got you not pay your health benefits you you got two months. If I don't pay my bill they give me a grace period. >> I have to pay within a grace period.
>> Thank you council council. So this is, you know, you got to come back with >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> I know. I know. Okay. >> Just just a point. >> I don't know. >> Just a point. >> Uhhuh. >> Just a point of reference. This item is on for vote. I don't think
it's prop. We're properly prepared administration >> because in order for us to vote on it, we have to be clear. We cannot just say you want to get a anticipated loan note for $64 million and you can't break down what it's for. Right? So, I'm just
respectfully asking we're going to remove this item from the agenda because we're not ready to vote on this tonight. >> I remove my motion. >> So, before >> and I I remove Councilman BZ, I have the floor >> is >> and I'm removing my my motion. Uh we're
not ready tonight. I am respect respectfully asking that it comes back into committee, but you do a breakdown of exactly what this will be utilized for. Um so that we'll know because if we're not clear on what it's for, we cannot just vote yes. >> So um our motions are are moved. Um
there's no more discussion unless you're moving. >> No. Yeah. I had to >> Are you moving it? Cuz right now it's not. >> I'm not going the the the reason I'm asking for the floor is because let me remind the council that we got fined because we didn't
introduce a budget for the administration. That's one. Second, let me remind the council that the administration was gonna submit a budget with a 5.3 tax increase and then they lower it to 3.5.
The administration, the pitch of that vote for introduction was we need to pay bills, we need to pay salary, we need to do this, we need to introduce the budget, that's why we need to vote on this. Now they're gonna come to us saying that they don't have the money to
pay. >> Thank Thank you, Councilman. We >> You have to do better, CFO. You can't do it by yourself. >> Thank you, Councilman. Madame Clerk, this item is removed from the agenda. Uh let's move to item number 65. Madam clerk,
>> item number 65 is a resolution under appro approving the Patterson Urban Enterprise Zone Division of the Department of Economic Development to utilize 1,818,476.96 of urban enterprise zone assistant funds
for quality of life offduty public safety in the commercial corridors. Economic Development Resolution number 25 calling 528. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Moved by Council President Mim. Second by Councilman Mendes.
>> 65. >> Roll call on item 65. Madam clerk. >> Roll call on item number 65 for adoption. Councilwoman Cotton. Councilwoman Dava. She's Councilman Jackson.
>> Thank you, Madam Clerk. So, the benefits, improve public safety and cleanliness. By the way, last year they had 1.6, now they want 1.8. Increase foot traffic, enhance customer experience, greater
appeal to investors and new businesses. They should have put that first because we know that's what the priority here around here is. Safer neighborhoods, improve city image and pride, more job opportunities for business
growth, increased access to goods and services, stronger local economy, better quality of life, increased community engagement and activities. So, we spent 1.6
on it last year. And I'll just for those that who reside in the city of Patterson, if I can get the voter support from you guys and I'll support this. Do you guys feel like any of these items were better suited for us in this community last year with the 1.6 by a
show of hands? I guess not, right? So listen, we cannot continue to allow all this money to come through our hands and and and not be held people be held
accountable for what it is. I'm looking through the packet to see if there's a more detailed report. Budget allocation, UE funds, count days of service. Okay.
Um, so here's what here's here's what I'll do. I I'll make it very quick and and and I apologize, Council President. We should have did a discussion on this, but so there were there was $1.6 million invested in this
last year. Of the $1.6 $6 million. They wrote 1,100. Let's say 1,150 tickets for parking. Let's say tickets are average. They start like parking tickets like $55 per
ticket. Let's just say they were $90. So 1,100 tickets by $90, that's 103,000 $103,500. So we spent 1.6 6
to make back $100,000. That of which came directly off the backs of our residents who have nowhere to park in the city because all the poor decisions that's being made by the administration. If you don't believe as a resident of
the city of Patterson that you're getting beat over the head and people are just coming here to present things to you that mean absolutely nothing, you're highly mistaken. Madame clerk, the proof is not in what you talk about.
The proof is in your vote and my vote is no. >> Thank you, Councilman Khalik. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. This is an extra help for our police department. We always complain about public safety, the safety issues that we have. All of us
know we are we have a shortage in police department. This is a money from grandfunding money from UEE zone. The police department will get and they'll put some extra food on the ground in the UE zone.
the police is now out there to make money creating revenue so that section could be more uh safe for the community. I have seen him last year walking on Union A corridor. I was
happy to see them. I saw them many times couple of cops walking down back and forth. He was from this program. So I'm very happy to support. This is a extra help for our police department. My vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman. Council Mendes.
>> Uh, thank you, Madam Clerk. I Our Lieutenant Sheila Oliver, may she rest in peace. She work really hard to make sure that we get the USC funding back into our community. Um, she work extremely hard and that because of her, Patterson has our annual uh line item
from USD dollar to for Pis voting against this is voting against the well-being of our city. We already know that we don't have enough police officer. where you have if you have an accident and you call a police officer, you call the radio room, they have 20 and 25 call for service and you have to
wait two and three hours for a police officer to arrive at the scenes. We already know that if we start talking about all the problem that we have in the city of Patterson, we're not going to finish tonight. We already know that we have those problems. We already know that. But voting against this is something that listen, it's really I
respect my council Khali decision, but let's be clear on this. My request on the UE uh on the $1.8 million to bring additional police officer was to make sure that we spread you know around spread those unit around all the US zone
in the third war brea and park avenue. Everybody knows that people they double park there they do a lot of illegal things on Breland or Park Avenue and I don't have enough manpower there. Uh Brillam also Park Avenue Broadway is 33rd and other areas. So, make sure that
we utilize our police department to make our commercial corridors safe. This doesn't make I mean just there's no braining. Uh I really hope that we impact our business uh uh owners in the community the right way. They need help. We got to make our city safe. We make
our we need to make our city better and we all know that we don't have enough manpower in our police department. We all know that. With that being said, my vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Omar. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. This is more boots on the ground using grant money. I'm all for it. My vote is yes.
>> Thank you, Councilman Uden. Councilman Veles. >> Thank you, Council. Uh, Madame Clerk, you know, as Councilman U colleague, you state, we cannot
use the police for revenue generators in the city of Patterson. That's against the law. The other thing is do you know that uee zone or residential zone at the same time? >> Yes, >> absolutely.
>> Commercial residential on the top they are serving two purpose commercial and residential. >> Mix >> mixuse. So when you look at the numbers that my colleague just stated about,
100 tickets, parking summons and the other one um moving violation that means that they doing their work because they were not doing their work the numbers will be probably lower. They doing the work. So
the presence of the police is needed. Last meeting I say back in 2020 we had 490 something cops. Now we have 160,000 plus resident in the city of Patterson
and we are in 402 cops. So we need more cop more money. Let's create plans how to raise their benefits, raise their salary for they don't go and leave the city for other departments, other
agency. And I stated in the last meeting, Homeland Security is giving $50,000 bonus only to go to them to work. So, let's praise our cops. Let's say thank you. And if they we have more funding, more grants that we could
invest in the public safety and the quality life of the city of Patterson, let's do it. Let's do it. And this is part of it. So I'm happy. Last time we did a lot of recommendation. They included areas that we wanted it and
they are doing the job. they working and sometime they assist other officers and other calls outside the boundary of UAZ. So my vote is yes. >> Thank you council president. >> Yes.
>> Thank you. The votes are six in favor, one against, two absent. Item number 65 is hereby adopted. >> Item 69. Madam clerk, Item 69 is a resolution authorizing contact contract amendment for
engineering services for the combined sewer overflow long-term control plan development RFP number 2017-06 for the division of engineering of the department of public works public works resolution number 2532.
So move. >> Which one? >> Moved by Councilman Khalik, second by Councilman Mendes. Roll call. >> Which one is that? >> 69. >> 69. >> Roll call. Madam clerk on 69. >> Discussion. >> Discussion. Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, director.
>> I'm just just curious. >> Yeah. Um just a quick little outline on uh on this item please. This is the um this is the to oversee like the uh the admin part of the this to oversee the admin
part of the cso program. This engineering company will be um still handling all the meetings for us with all the other um cso communities and with the state DP. So in the past we would have a scheduling there was a meeting with uh with the um the company
that would outline some of the the uh the requirements some of the changes that we've done you know in the previous year. I'm I'm just curious why they were why wasn't this brought the workshop with the new with the firm and and this is
this isn't the new firm. This is same same firm. We're at the the uh the end of it. So, this is like putting like the last uh bits of the the project together so we could um present it to the state. >> So, there's a new this is a new project that's being >> No, this is the CSO project that we're
mandated to do through the state. >> No, I understand. But so so >> the question I have is that >> you know we have the council has gotten away from requiring these entities that we have we enter into these agreements
with come before the council and outline what we're doing. Like for example, in the past the uh we we would we were uh it's outlined how many times we're fined for overflows, right? And I talked about having detection systems placed in those
those those uh uh outlets so that we'll know if there's an overflow and we can pay for exactly what we're being what you know what we should be paying as opposed to some of the the fines that we're paying for just as an assumed
number or a national average number. My my my question is that >> one we didn't we we we we we stopped having these these >> review periods with the with the vendor but >> who's overseeing the work that they're
doing? Is it our city engineer >> overse overseeing the cso project? >> Yes, >> we have we have on contract um PCI they're our engineer for the cso project for the complete project and this uh contract is for the administration part of it. So, so we hired an outside third
party contractor to oversee a third party contractor's work. >> Yes. >> Well, it's a it's it's state combined. Harry could probably get to the logistics better of but uh it's it's it's not only us. It's nine communities that the CSOS are and that's what it's
about. >> No, I'm I'm aware and I'm I'm aware of the intricacies and I do understand that it's is very, you know, intricate situation. >> Nothing has changed with the with the contract. Nothing has changed with what we have been doing, what we presented to the council. It has nothing's been
presented just for the fact that we're at the >> How much is the contract? >> How much that contract? >> Mhm. >> 27,000. >> 27 >> 27. All right. Very good. I appreciate it, director. Thank you. >> Thank you. Roll call, Madam Clerk.
>> Roll call on item number 69 for adoption. Councilwoman Cotton, Councilwoman Dava, Councilman Jackson. So um obviously CSO the combined sewer situation is a very intricate situation and and having confidence in the
director uh I definitely feel like you know we ultimately need to you know uh formalize a more a long-term plan but um you know uh in light of the director's oversight madam clerk my vote is yes. >> Yes is your vote.
>> My vote is yes mad >> council colleague. >> Yes. Thank you, Councilman Mendes. >> Yes, madam cler. >> Thank you. >> Councilman Omar, Councilman Uden, >> yes. >> Councilman Vez, >> yes. >> Council President, >> disappointed recommendation. This came
out of a recommendation for the New Jersey waterways bill from the state. So, uh, director, could you please send the long-term plan that is we have for the CSOS, um, to all council members so that they can see what's on there that was voted on by the council. Okay,
>> just send that out to everybody. My vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you, council president. The votes are six in favor, three absent. Item number 69 is hereby adopted. >> Item number 70, Madam Clerk. >> 70.
>> Item number is >> I don't know 70. Okay. Item number 70 is a resolution authorizing award of contract to Rich Tree Service Inc. for tree trimming, pruning and removal
services for the department of public works public works resolution number 2533. >> So moved. >> Second move by council president me second by councilman Khali council Mendes and Uden. Uh discussion
>> I got a stronger voice. Oh, Councilman BZ. Uh, discussion. Councilman Odin. >> Thank you, Council President. Uh, director, quick question. So, who is doing the uh, trimming currently? >> The same company. Same company. Yes. >> So, what was the um, amount last
contract? >> Excuse me. >> What was the last contract amount? >> I believe it was one. >> No, it was 700. It was 700 >> 200,000 last contract. >> It matches the same as last year. >> Is the same as last year? >> Yes, we went up. All right. Thank you,
>> Council President. >> Council Mendes, >> director, um I see that this contract is for 200,000 similar a lot as last year. >> Yes. >> Uh but let's uh and let's keep in mind that we have a lot of requests director for tree to to be cut especially in the
third war. We have a lot of resident that they have they want to fix the sidewalk. So, let's address those uh need those people that are they already have permit open waiting for the tree to just for the city to take the tree down for them to fix the sidewalk. Let's keep
let's put those uh location on priority especially Breland and 18th Avenue as you see is buted up is closed that section because they're going to have to just take the street down in order for them to fix the sidewalk. So, keep those location on on on priority when it comes to this contract.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Councilman Bas. >> Uh director, um I know we go to vote on this today. Um moving forward, uh can you send me a the scope of work that they have done already? Like for example, the address that and and the
place that they already did last year or the money >> from prior year. You want the work that was >> uh yeah before this contract. Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. Like address, you know, I want to make sure another tree didn't grow there. >> Thank Thank you, Councilman. Roll call, madam clerk. >> Calling item number 70 for adoption.
Councilwoman Cotton, Councilwoman Dava, Councilman Jackson, >> yes. >> Thank you. Councilman Khik, >> yes. >> Councilman Mendes, >> yes. >> Councilman Omar, Councilman Uden, >> yes. >> Councilman Vez, >> yes.
>> Council President, >> I just want to put it back on the record. I've asked for the last two years when you're going down Broadway almost into Elmo Park, the trees are actually kissing each other across the highway. Please add that to the section. I've been asking for two years and if we
can't do it, I'm asking that we do a um aou with the county so that we can get that done. Madame clerk, my vote is yes. >> Thank you. The votes are six in favor, three absent. Item number 70 is hereby adopted. >> Item 62, Madame Clerk.
>> 62. Mhm. Item number 62, a resolution in support of bill to reduce New Jersey taxi insurance cost sponsored by Councilman Alex Mendes. City Council resolution number 2525.
>> So move. >> Moved by Councilman Mendes, second by Councilwoman Mims. Roll call. Madam clerk. >> Discussion. Council. >> Discussion. Councilman Velas. Um um Councilman Mendes, can you give me a highlight on this because I never What's the bill at
because it's only for taxi the bill? >> What's the bill? >> Uh correct. Uh councilman is uh it's adding the taxi because what happened is at the state level on this item um what that will happen at the state limosin
business used to have always used to be 1.5 million. Uh taxi used to be 500,000. And what the state did, they combined now our regular taxi company, our local taxi company, instead of buying a a $500,000 policy, now they being forced
to buy $1.5 million policy that pushing those local taxi company almost out of business and it's definitely affect our community, our senior, our resident. They used of taxi to move around the city and it's horrible. Some of them they'll be out of business very soon if
the state doesn't take this seriously. From half a million dollar policy they went up to 1.5 million across the state of New Jersey specifically with taxi companies. Something that was horrible. >> So councilman, there's a bill right now in assembly on this. >> There's two bills. >> Two bills.
>> There's two bills. >> I'm asking our council. This is in the is in the resolution. It's clearly written. There are two bills. Assembly Bill 5911, Assembly Bill 4268. >> Yeah, I know. That's why I just noted out the that is a good idea is a good
thing to support the the this assembly is moving forward to help those those people that works in taxi and all that. But I want to send a message too. I got I had to pay t high insurance. Can they include the residents of Patterson, you
know, to lower the bill of the insurance? It would be good for a whole entire state. The we are the state that we pay a lot a lot in insurance. A lot. Thank you. But it's a good idea to support is a good idea. >> Roll call. Madam clerk.
>> Council President. >> Councilman Jackson. >> So uh one an increase of your premium to have coverage of 500,000 to 1.5 million is not a big difference in in premium
costs. It's minimal. It's like when you go buy a a day's um event insurance for $5 million, $10 million might cost you like $100, $150. Do we have any supportive data to
support this item? Like how many taxi cab drivers are getting into car accidents or not getting into car accidents? how many um uh uh riders have had uh uh presented claims or I mean there's a whole bunch of data that
should be included with this including the the perspective legislation bill. I mean I can we can look it up right now but it should it should have been included with this legislation so we know what we're supporting. Um,
furthermore, I mean, I could just tell you I'm looking for for what's what's going on with our local taxi cab enforcement >> because you got guys a taxi cab driver. I took a picture of his car his car the
other day. Totally ma ran made a left turn from the right lane, threw the middle finger up at me, kept it moving like what what are we doing here? We're we're supporting something that really has no basis. This this thing is just a
feel-good resolution that that's not it's just saying, "Oh, we're in support of what you're writing, >> but we not we're not going to provide any supportive data. >> How many accidents have been reported in the city? What's going on with taxi cab enforcement locally? Let's say if the
taxi cab drivers are doing phenomenal job, great. Where's the data to support this?" It's just like, ah, you're just going to do it because it feels good to do. But no supportive data. I'm not surprised. I mean, considering whose name is on this legislation,
>> but >> where's the supportive data, Councilman Mendes, that says this is why we should support this? >> Oh, he doesn't have an answer. >> All right, Madam Clerk. >> Roll call. Madame Clerk,
>> roll call on item number 62 for adoption. >> Stuff up. >> Councilwoman Cotton, Councilwoman Davlet, Councilman Jackson. >> Oh, thank you, Madam Clerk. You would you would think right by now that everybody understands the question that I asked. It's not, oh, he's targeting
him because he got curly hair cuz he got hair. Councilman Jackson don't have hair no more. No, I asked the same questions. Where's the data? Where's the report? Where's the expenditures? How much is it costing us? Where is it? Where's the benefit? If we're going to do something,
there should be a benefit. Not to council members, not so you could call those various taxi cab owners and say, "Hey man, you know, I wrote that legislation for you. You know, you could buy a ticket to my event." No. >> What's the What's the result impact to
the residents? How does this bill service the residents better? How does this legislation service the voters and the community community at by and large in Patterson
better? If you don't have an answer, but you want support, you might get their support, but you won't never get my support. My support demands clarity. It demands integrity. It it demands results
not for me, not for fellow council members, but for the residents. Madame clerk, my vote is no. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Cle. >> Thank you, uh, Madame Clerk. Almost every council member on on this
dis have done a feel-good resolution. Our vote is not going to affect what's going to get done in the state level. We just we're just not agreeing with them to raise the premium for those uh taxi
um taxi cab insuranceances. That's all. >> Right. That that that's that's all we're doing. There's nothing to be all I need a data and I need all this information on this on this resolution. The resolution of support is a feelood
resolution. Uh I'm not going to waste my time looking at 5,000 probably. If you look at the data from the state uh state level on the state bill 5,000 page probably u my vote is yes uh madame clerk. >> Thank you councilman. Councilman Mendes
>> thank you madam clerk and let me just uh be clear just playing the reason why I'm not I'm not going to answer you uh councilman it's very simple when I see that you just because you want to create an argument you mix enforcement with the situation that has been going out. I
understand that you just want to create conflicts. I don't I'm not enforcement is one thing. There's a there's a department to enforce the law in the city of Patterson. That's one thing. Number two, yes, it will impact the resident of the great city of Patterson just because the premium will double or
triple by increasing from 500,000 to 1.5 million. This will help the taxi company keep the price lower to our residents. And they have not increased the price in many years. And I know council me is very involved also as well. He understand he knows a lot of the
company. Councilman Khalik also as well our we we talked to those business owner they cannot increase the price because in Patterson our local resident they can't afford it to pay $15$20 for a ride on in the city. They can. So that's the reason why we have to do whatever it
take for us to call their attention from the state level to make sure that they understand that and we have to create legislation like this. I don't see this as a feel-good legislation. You know why? Because we have friends in in Trenton. We have Senator Beggy Wimbley.
Very soon we're going to have Kenyatta Stewart. We have Assemblyman Ala Deiz. They're leaving Patterson. We see them every day. Why not creating legislation that could help them in Trenton? So that's what I'm doing with this. And when you see somebody voting against
$1.8 $8 million to have more books on the ground on our commercial corridor. When you see somebody voting against that, you clearly see that there's a problem and all you want to see is conflict. That's the reason why I'm not voting and I want to say thank you to those council colleague that approved
this legislation and I'm not the only one that have uh a good relationship with our local elected official at the state level. Let's reach out to them as well because we got to work as a team at the state level, county level, and local level. Working together is the only way
that we're going to bring a little resource, more resources to the city of Paris to help our community. My vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Omar and Councilman Uden. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. First of all, if you notice the last few years, the
taxi business decreased significantly because of so many app based especially Uber, Lift, but local businesses losing anyway. But on top of this, the premium goes high, you know that there's another chance that we can we can have less
business taxi business owners in our locality. When assembly supporting a pro supporting a bill, why not ask Patterson pushing forward to it? I think it's a good move. Councilman uh Mendes and I'm in full support. My vote is Jasmine O'R.
>> Thank you, Councilman. Uh Councilman VZ, >> the difference is that Uber and Lyft, the company paid the insurance, any laws and wear and tear, Uber, Lift pay for that. They have an accident, Uber, Lift pay for that. It's big
corporation, right? So the facts is here is is is simple. $1.5 million liability coverage. So if I want to be an own operator of a vehicle and do
service a taxi one vehicle, I have to have a liability coverage of 1.5 plus if there's any losses in my motor vehicle license or any tickets or whatever that policy increase more. So
one car. So you imagine before it was $200,000 liability coverage. So I now went up to 1.5. Now this is resolution to support that bill. I haven't looked into that bill but yes we have received a lot of
cons uh complaints from from taxis company that they the policy have increased. I explain them sometime those policy increase based on the losses, accidents, the record, the driver, all
that stuff. So that that that makes a different but right in the get-go if a person never had an accident, the person never have a points in the license and want to put one car to work and bring food to the table, they have to have a
minimum coverage of $1.5 million coverage. And I think that's a lot. So, good luck on the state on that. But with my statement, Mr. Ba, I know it's not your fault, but we have taxi
inspectors using their own cars to work, using their own car because the city have not supplied a car to them. Please look into that. If there's any spare
car, not a beat up car, a good card out there, give it to those inspector. They deserve it because they really bring revenue when they get all those pirate taxi out there taking the money from other people that are legally. Uh my vote is yes on this.
>> Thank you, Councilman. Council President, >> my vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are five in favor, one against, three absent. Item number 62 is hereby adopted. Thank you, Madame Clerk. At this time, we're going to open up our uh public portion uh just to give
some instructions to all that will come up for public portion. You have three minutes to speak. Um nothing longer than that. Um after 3 minutes, we will move on to the next one. Let's respect the time limit. Um as I ask every week,
there is respect on this side of the deis and we expect a respect on the other side as well. Madame clerk, can you call the first speaker, please? >> First speaker is Ernest Rucker. Kindly state your name and address, please. >> Ernest Rucker, Patterson, New Jersey.
Uh, what I came up here to speak about, I'm going to change somewhat because you made an appointment today that has the city is now being subject to to litigation and a lawsuit. And I feel so
bad for Mrs. Nance that you guys didn't think enough to make sure that you had all your eggs in your bucket and had things cleared up before you brought her into this mess. And this mess was created in 2020 by y'all.
You cannot make it for your appointment statutoily. DCA says it. uh uh former judges say it. You made an appointment of four years.
Then in 2024, which is I heard the BS that y'all mentioned, you voted on what you heard the clerk read into the record. You heard it. So my point is if you're going to be delinquent in your job duties,
don't blame the commissioner leaving and don't bring a new commissioner in to suffer through the litigation and all of the political BS is going to go on. It's sad to sit here and see this constantly from this council.
Sad. Everybody's clapping. Everybody's agreeing changing their stories. uh working this way. Don't you know we know what you're doing? >> What? >> You spend our money like it's water. And I gotta give Jackson credit for this.
>> You guys haven't been thinking about how you spent the money. >> You in the same pitches with the mayor and you gave him everything you wanted. >> And then you want to ignore the fact that you're not doing your due diligence.
But I bet you you're getting your 45 or $48,000 for a part-time job after you reduce the meetings by two. >> And then you should reduce your pay by half. >> You're giving us half the work. We should give you half the pay. Yeah.
>> The litigation that has come through corporation council's desk today should have been brought up here before you voted on anything >> cuz now you're putting the city in another difficulty,
another lawsuit. We get sued so much. It's like can't take candy from a baby. I'm tired. I stop coming to this BS. to sit here all day long. Now I got my grandson killing me, driving me nuts,
and y'all are talking like you got all night and the public is trying to get up here and speak. Last but not least, you know something? I love when people, in closing, I love when people talk
about their other appointees like they were no good, but you put them there so it's obvious they were good enough then. What happened where they stopped being good enough? Cuz they did the job. >> Thank you, Mr. Rucker. Next speaker, Madam Clerk.
>> Yes. Next speaker is Lorraine Collins. Please state your name and address. They left, madam clerk. >> Okay, >> they left, madam clerk. >> Okay, the next speaker is Mrs. Marbel Peralta. She's not here. Okay,
next. Is she here? The next speaker is Lauren Francis Nance. Please state your name and address. Thank you. >> Lauren Francis Nance, Hillrest Section of Patterson. Decent, safe, and
affordable housing are not a privilege. They're right. Good evening, Madame Council President, Madame Vice, esteemed council members, deputy clerk, and her team, the administration, and most importantly, the residents of Patterson, New Jersey. I am Lauren Frances Nance
and I'm deeply honored by the council's vote of confidence to appoint me as a commissioner of the housing authority of the city of Patterson. I said yes to this role because I simply care about people. I care about where they call home. And when things aren't quite
right, I want to explore how I can help make things better. For more than 30 years, I've demonstrated my passion for sound, productive governance, common sense leadership, planning strategically, and
solid stakeholder relationships. I look forward to bringing all of my experience managing section 8 properties, nonprofit organizations, and the like to this oversight role. As a business owner, a lifelong public servant, a civic leader,
I've seen what happens when commitment meets real action. I'm ready to bring this energy to this work. I come with a balanced nonpartisan willingness to listen and a willingness to learn. I'm eager to understand what's
working and what's broken, especially in the wake of HUD funding facing daily threats from the federal government. I know for sure that Patterson residents deserve more than just roofs over their heads. They deserve decent, safe, affordable housing where families can
thrive and where our elders can live with the respect that they've earned. Transparency and accountability are not just buzzwords for me. If you know me, you know that that is how I live and that is how I work and that is how I operate. I'll serve alongside my fellow
commissioners and all of you to bridge the gap between what is and what should be. To the residents of our city housing authority properties and to the over 3,000 section 8 voucher holders in Patterson, I am here to listen and I'm
here to act within my authority as your commissioner. Your concerns are my priorities. I look forward to helping to build a housing authority that serves you well. and together, let's get it started and let's get it done. Thank you.
>> You're going to serve well. Next speaker, Madam Clerk. The >> next speaker is Kimmy Freeman. State your name and address, please. Kimmy Freeman, third war. About three weeks ago,
a car that was stolen was speeding down where I live at. I've been talking about speeding now for 10 years, more than that, 15 years. A cop car hit the car, right? I hit men's drive.
This is the rub. This is the the debris that came from the car that was hit. Now, I've been talking about speeding for a long, long time. A couple months ago, the last snow we had, we had a what 61, 62 year old man
who was killed by a speeding car. So, I'm asking last meeting I said you had 28 moving violations in the monthly report for the police. Does anybody in this
room believe we've only had 28 moving violations? I'm just saying you got that on 18th a half. Gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, we got to do our jobs. Last time I was
here, I got three tickets for throwing a toilet in the front of the driveway of DPW. I got to go to court for that because I've asked them for six weeks to remove the toilet
>> on our block. But I'll reiterate this again, and McCoy knows this. There's only six houses on our block. We pay $80,000 in property taxes. 80,000.
Now, DPW is only two blocks away from my house. Somebody explain to me why they just didn't come over and get the toilet. Somebody explain to me that means you're not doing your job and I'm paying
$14,400 a year for taxes. That's why I'm running for council at large. I'm going to address the problems I've been talking about for decades and everybody here has ignored me. I've
already shared my ideas with some of the people on this council. They know what I'm getting ready to do. And guess what? I got all the time to do it. While you're working, I'mma outwork you. I'mma outthink you. And guess what
my man did? I love you, bro. What you doing with with your kids over there college? Guess what? When I taught, I sent kids to Princeton. I was an excellent teacher. I got kicked out because I said, "What you're doing to these kids is wrong." And I lost my
pension and I lost my career. Just like Ali, I took it on the chin. None of y'all have gone through what I've gone through. I taught. You kicked me out cuz I said, "You know what? What you're doing is wrong." >> Thank you, Mr.
>> I'm running for at large. And guess what? Next time I come and other people think about running, don't do it. >> Thank you. >> Don't do it. >> Thank you, Mr. Freeman. >> The only one here that lived in every single >> Next speaker, Madam Clerk. Next speaker
is Elvis Durham. >> Please state your name and your address. Thank you. >> You want to date Trump? >> Good evening, Mr. Durham. Mr. Elvis Dor,
fourth war, Patterson, New Jersey. Before I get into my announcements to all the 30,000 people that's watching us, my YouTube channel is Pis NJ good news. My YouTube channel is Pis NJ good
news. My Facebook page, Elvis, Good News, Dur Ham. >> Elvis Dorm Outreach Music Productions presents Gospel Mania. Sunday, November
23rd, 2025. It's a Freewood donation. The concert starts at 4:00 p.m. at New Generation Kingdom of Power Ministry, 170 North Main Street, Patterson, New
Jersey. Pastor Thomas Prairie is the pastor. It's going to be so many great gospel artists that's going to be in the building. Also, >> Sunday praise, >> Sunday praise,
Sunday, October 26, 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Free will donation. is going to be at Bethford AM Church 2-4 Auburn Street 2-4
Aub Street Patterson, New Jersey, Pastor Reverend Mvin Wilson, Assistant Pastor Marie. For more information for these
both events, you could contact me at 862 823 3895. God bless you. Good night. About to go home and eat. >> Thank you, Mr. Durham. Next speaker, madam clerk. >> The next speaker is Alex Mendes Jr.
Please state your name and address. >> Good evening, Mr. Menddees Jr., school board candidate. >> All right. All right. Uh, good evening council members, um, parents, teachers, and neighbors, community members
watching at home. My name is Alex Mendes Jr. I'm born and raised in Patterson, and I'm a proud product of Patterson Public Schools, and I'm here to announce my run for the Patterson Board of Education. As commissioner, I will be 2E
on the ballot. I grew up in this city. I walked the same hallways our kids walk today. it. I sat in crowded classrooms and schools with deteriorating infrastructure and with teachers who often had to reach into their own pockets in order to buy classroom
essentials. And so during my years in high school, I lost two friends due to gun violence and two more to suicide. That pain never left me. And that's one of the biggest reasons I'm standing here today. No young person in Patterson
should feel unsafe or unseen. I'm running for commissioner of the Patterson Board of Education. Once again, twoe on the ballot because many of the same problems I experienced as a student are still here and they still remain. Our test scores remain low, not
because of our students lack of talent, but because of our school's lack of support. We have families who can't fully engage because they don't speak English fluently. Patterson, we are a city of 160,000 people. Uh we house 52
different ethnicities and a number of different languages and nearly 44% of Patterson residents are born outside of the US. And so we need adequate ESL programs to accommodate for our students. Uh we have students with IEPs,
students special needs who who are falling through the cracks, not because teachers don't care, but because they're overwhelmed and underresourced. So, if elected, I will fight to strengthen the SL programs. I will ensure that students with IEPs get the staff necessary and
the support necessary to thrive within our school system. I'll bring accountability to the board of education. And at the heart of it all, my mission is simple. I want to become the leader that I once needed whilst going through the very school system that I now seek
to serve. So, uh with that, Patterson, thank you so much. I bid you do two on the ballot. Mendes Jr. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Menddees Jr., next speaker. Madam clerk. >> Yes. The next speaker is Dorothy Martin.
Please state your name and address. >> She left. Madam clerk, next speaker. >> Next speaker is Eddie Oliviveres. Please state your name and address. >> Eddie Olivarees, Paris, New Jersey. Good evening all. Last week, I spoke briefly
about uh the reasons as to why we should support uh Councilman Jackson for uh the next mayor of this town. I mentioned that he's the only one that has proposed buying our own trucks to pick up our own garbage. Um he's talked about buying
equipment to fix our streets, which I I think are very good ideas. Tonight, I want to tell you guys why it is that you should support me for one of the seats that will be up for grabs in May of 2025. Not once will you see
uh or read an article of a prosecutor offering me five years because of illegalities that I've done. Not once will you see anybody talk about $50,000 that I've taken under the table
in exchange of favors. Not once will you hear me say I will call you tomorrow because what I promised you did not go through. So guess what? Tomorrow I call you and we'll figure something out.
Not once will you see me appointing family members only because they're family members without any qualifications. Not once. Uh and I want to close with this. I I I went into the bathroom and this gentleman here to my left, he followed me into the bathroom
and in a very intimidating attitude I he introduced himself as as uh Mara Stabila's um husband. I I don't know who he is. I don't even know Marissa Stabila's um sister. I I I don't know
them. But anyway, uh the the his complaint is that I said some things about his wife. People of Paris, Miss Nance, I hope I pray that you do everything that we expect you to do so
that we can praise you and you can improve the city of Patterson. The city of Patterson is in the hands of friends and relatives of people that are in this council. That's why the city is in the situation that it is in. His wife working for the
for the um public health department. The uh public health department is in the hands of Joel Ramirez. People of Patterson. There's nothing he's I'm sure he knows how to do a lot of things, but
running the public health department is not one of them. And so I I I am telling you and Next speaker, Madame Clerk. >> The next speaker is Dr. Phils. County, state your name and your
address, please. Thank you. >> Good evening. >> He's on. >> Check right there. See if it's on. No. >> It went off. Good evening. >> All right. Hold on.
>> They started my time already. Could you restart that? >> I did restart. I just restarted it. >> I didn't even start yet. >> When you said good evening, I started it. >> It's still going and I haven't even >> Well, well, when you when you state your name, that's when I started. I'm sorry. >> Okay. Go ahead. Go ahead.
>> Dr. Fields, let's be clear. We are living in a day and a time where our first amendment rights are being challenged so intensely that exercising free speech now feels like we're always walking on eggshells. A time when truth has become so risky that silence feels
safer than honesty. Where getting ahead means greasing palms and protecting fake friendships. Be that as it may, we still have those who will stand in the gap like myself for integrity and justice no matter what or who it is. Tonight I want to talk about the misuse of authority as
it pertains to a particular judge in Patterson. Imagine my surprise when the victim made me aware of her fear and trauma and then coming to a disturbing realization after listening to the recording that I know this person. This person is like family. But family is not
exempt tonight from obeying the law. In fact, just in case you didn't know, your robe is not a costume for tyranny, Judge Blakeley. And the bench is not a bully pullpit to simulate judiciary elitism. Somehow you've mistaken your judicial
power for a personal weapon. And you've taken what should be a sacred seat of fairness and turned it into a stage to insulate your ego, spewing out nothing more than distasteful decorum that reflects a lack of professionalism. I'm appalled by what I heard because you
didn't just overstep, you stumped and trampled on the very principles you swore to uphold. to willfully misuse your authority to silence a victim from exercising her first amendment right. This is not only unethical, it's an embarrassment to the robe you wear. In
this sacred instit institution you represent or in your case misrepresent. Prior to tonight's meeting, I was met with more instances where you have practiced this kind of unlawful behavior on many other occasions in the form of misusing your power. The courtroom has always been intended to be a place meant
for truth. As a black judge, you have turned it into your own personal theater of intimidation. Your performance has been nothing more than a masterclass of judicial misconduct. The role of a judge is to preserve justice, not to persecute it, and certainly not to bully those who
dare to speak the truth in your presence at a city council meeting or during a public portion. You called this lady a hea. At this point, the question isn't whether you need a reprimand, it's whether you deserve to remain on the bench at all. Perhaps a suspension will humble your tone. Or maybe this barment
will finally restore some credibility to the title you've tarnished. Sadly, when a judge uses her robe as a shield for bullying, her bench as a platform to silence the First Amendment, it causes to question not only her judgment, but her fitness and composite competency to
wear the robe at all. Because we have to remember that power misused is shameful and disgraceful. But power left unchecked is dangerous. And while you may have tried to silence one voice, understand this. The first amendment amendment right does not cower under
your gavl. It grows louder. The people are watching and real justice will speak for itself. Course correct and do better because these people will hold you accountable. >> Thank you Phil. >> Next speaker, Madam Clerk. >> Yes. The next speaker is Ilia Villa
Noea. Please state your name and address. Thank you. Good evening everybody. Janova 166 Lake View Councilman Jackson. There's something that we agree on. We we push and elect and we're gonna elect two people that
are really really represent this community which is our senator Benju Wimbley and the the unique and only fighter steward which I still working and supporting. And here is my um campaign
committee, my campaign manager and they are also Gata Stewart supporters. uh when I came here and I tried to be appointed to the sixword chair uh it was
saying that the Arabic community weren't a representative and they voted like Mr. including based on that. But now I wanted to tell you that the demographics of the six world as I always been saying is compared by
Hispanics a as a predominant population meaning around 70%. Also, the Arab community among the notable minorities in the community, primarily of Germany and Palestinian descent, is
visible, steady growing. However, the presence and contribution to the community, they still represent a smaller demographic compared to the Hispanic majority around 6%. the americans
and African-American residents compromised X-Men of the population for 15% of the residents. Now when you look at the demographics of South Patterson
particular around main street crooks of avenue continue to be one of the most active zones for new special business approval largely driven by the city urban enterprise zone and redevelopment incentive managed by the Paris restoration corporation. The most
written recent documentation from the PRC indicates that this area benefit from multiple business relocation and improvement loans under the city 2025 funding cycle primarily food service, retail and small
professional offices. 21st Avenue corridor which extend through east side people's park and remain heavily commercial but have fewer approvals in 25 city planning agendas for September and October show mostly
renovation and signage application rather than full new business licenses the planning board October and September agendas refer one retail business three signatures approval along 21st Avenue versus multiple site approvals is for
new establishments tied to mixed use. That means that there is disparacy between the 21st staff and South Patterson when it comes to funding from the Paris Restoration Corporation. >> Thank you, Miss Van Noea. >> Next speaker.
Next speaker, Madame Clerk. >> Next speaker is a Robersonson. >> Miss Robersonson. >> Miss Annette Robersonson. >> Yes. Kindly state your name and address, please. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening. Good
evening. >> The city problem is more than this than a threeminute approach at the mic. Council should be challenged to host town hall meetings in their wards. 101 West Broadway. Garbage has now been on
that curb for a week plus. Garbage that has now turned into trash. I challenge the Department of Public Works or TRA uh to go down there to see it tomorrow. Traffic patterns off of Grand Street on to Prince and Delab
is a oneway. Prince Street is a two-way street. Yielding on to War Street is a disaster. Delav, if you're yelling on from Dell A, you have to go like you got to yield a is a three-way yield. If you're yield yielding on to Dell A off
of Prince Street, it's a two-way yield. Transformation of traffic is a disaster. Blocking of intersection makes it hard for passage. Uh signage. Okay. I'm starting to question whether um you know cuz we are a melting pot. Our signs are
only in English. I'm try I'm questioning whether the signs are readable to our ethnicity that surrounds our community. Ward Street going towards Cian Street. There should be a delay left turn s uh
signage because of the school that's right there on Oliver Street. Uh pass reported issues that I reported to the council. The traffic light on West Broadway right before checkers. Uh the tree blocks the view of the light and the focus could be the light at West
Broadway in Belmont. Uh the ma main street in Van Halton Street, the uh the red light, the yellow light is still out that was reported way back in the summer. Um sewer um but my question about the sewer, when and how often are
the sewers clean? Street cleaning that was addressed. I spoke to Bill tonight. Um we must be consistent. Competency is a big issue in the city and there was a prime example of it tonight uh with some reporting of
$65 million needed for a loan for payment of whatever. Um it pains me as a resident of this city that we still have not gotten it right and we still need to get it right. River Street, Mr. Mendes uh made uh a concern about a site person
being on the site of River Street. My question is that now or is that prior to the signage that went up when this construction was supposed to start a year ago in September? Um please we need these uh questions answered the overdevelopment to create uh that
creates the parking issue in the p uh the city of Patterson. Um my question would be is there a moratorum for these developers and if so what's the time frame? 12th A. I wrote up 12th a about two Saturdays ago. family members used to live on that street. I felt like I
was in a can of sardines. It felt so compressed with the overdevelopment. Thank you, Mr. Robersonson. Thank you. Next speaker, Madame Clerk. Next,
>> the next speaker is A. Lee. >> We don't we don't yield time. >> Ah, come on. I wouldn't unfortunately I know we we don't but um corporation council if you can whatever the other
request you haven't given could you um take them from miss Robinson >> thank you >> like >> oh Jav oh Javier is here I'm sorry constituent services I didn't see I'm sorry he's here
>> I'm walk away here for about two hours >> thank thank you. >> No. >> Madame clerk, next speaker, please. >> The next speaker is Nikki. >> Madame Clerk, next speaker. >> Next speaker is Nikki Brrisette.
>> Please state your name and address, please. Thank you. >> Nikki Brousette, uh, fourth ward. While I may be an unfamiliar face to some, I stand before you as a committed resident of Patterson. At 19 in 2007, I made the
biggest decision in my life. I married and moved from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Patterson, New Jersey. Leaving the South for a new experience was a leap of faith, but Patterson quickly became a bedrock of my existence and the only home my children have ever known. Yet,
Patterson has presented challenges I never anticipated. The sheer density of people here is overwhelming. Houses are too close together, and there's nowhere to park. My husband gets home from work late between 2 and 3:00 a.m. and often has no choice but to park illegally.
While we know this is wrong, the city is at fault for not addressing this crisis. Our cars are consistently being broken into and my Honda was stolen last year on the day of my 18th wedding anniversary. You're just collecting money from residents who can barely
afford it. It is pure ignorance that new apartments built with such poor quality keep going up without any parking solutions. We also face unreliable street cleaning. We're tired of wasting 3 hours sitting in our cars only to find the street cleaners never show up. There
needs to be a way for residents to check if the cleaning is even going to happen. We get frustrated when we're expected to remain calm, but so many of our basic concerns are not being addressed. The volume of mopeds on the streets also feels chaotic. We need stricter rules on
where they can drive. While I understand there a form of transportation for some, the lack of regulation makes navigating the streets a nightmare. I've also seen a troubling issue with job opportunities for black residents. It seems that positions are particularly in the
manipul manip municipal courts are frequently filled by individuals who lack the necessary qualifications and require extensive training. This suggests that personal connections not merit or heavily influencing hiring decisions. I saw this firsthand with my
own family family friend Miss Jackie Murray. When I asked her to be a reference, she politely refused, which only highlights a concerning atmosphere where individuals are hesitant to support qualified candidates due to perceived risk to their own employment.
It did truly crush me and reminded me of my role in 2023 as a community and constituent relations worker for Assemblywoman Sumpter that I had laid got laid off from due to budget cuts. I couldn't shake the feeling that I would eventually be replaced by someone else
who would be in inexperienced and paid at a lower salary. As someone with an undergraduate degree in communications, a masters in public policy, the decision left me questioning what has suddenly made me unqualified. Losing a job I was so passionate about after only 5 months
was a devastating and disheartening blow. The abrupt notification on my last day felt like betrayal of my professional dreams. I'll finish next time. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Nikki. Next speaker, Madame Clerk.
>> The next speaker is Evette. Evette. Okay. Thank you. >> Please state your name and address. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Evette and I'm here in the fourth grade. I'm
here because my street park app is not safe for kids like me. When I go home from after school program, there are cars double parked everywhere. People play very loud music and near the train tracks. There are people hanging around
and going doing bad things. If makes me feel unsafe to walk home, kids should not have to see that or feel that way. >> Thank you so much.
Next speaker, madam clerk, >> the next speaker is Aubrey. I'm sorry. >> Please state your name and your address. Hi everyone, my name is Aubrey. I'm in the sixth grade. I go to a charter
school. Today I want to talk about doing the right thing even when it's hard. First, drugs. They might seem cool or like way to escape, but they ruin lives. They hurt your body, your mind, and your future. Staying away from drugs is one
of the best choices you can make. Next, violence. People are hurting or even killing each other for no reason. That's not okay. We need more peace and respect. Solve problems with words, not fists or weapons. Even small things like
double parking matters. When you block others or break small rules, it shows you're not thinking about anyone but yourselves. So, let's be better. Let's care about our community. Let's choose kindness,
respect, and smart decisions every single day. Thanks for listening. >> Thank you, Aubrey. Next speaker, Madame Clerk. >> I'm not sure how to pronounce the first name, but it's Vernon. I guess it's Vernon Stevens. >> Vena.
>> Vena Stevens. Okay. >> Vena. Please state your name and address. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Vena. I go to school 10. I mean, I'm in school 30. Um,
I'm here to say how all of you are doing drugs and all of that. And people are doing inappropriate things and kids are getting exposed to things they're not supposed to. And when kids go home, they can't go home safely. And some people
aren't even going home and their parents are upset. >> Thank you. Next speaker, Madam Clerk. >> Yes. Next speaker is Victoria Mo Mora. Yes, Mora. >> Please state your name and your address. Thank you.
>> Good evening everyone. My name is Victoria. For the past year, many of us have have kept records, logs, and video footage of loud music blasting from the same cars every night, even one with law enforcement plates. The noise shakes our
homes and our peace. Families can't sleep. All this loud music keeps family awake all night. Because kids can't get enough sleep, school buses have to honk their horns excessively in the morning to get kids
up and makes the problems even worse. Experts like the EPA and Sleep Foundation say that constant noise causes stress, heart problems, and hurts how children learn and remember things. When kids don't rest, they fall behind in school, and our society suffers. I
have even forgotten what day it is. This is a serious legal matter. residents face a 1 in1 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Many residents and I've personally lived through seven shootings living in this lawless city.
Those gunshots have given me PTSD. I still jump at loud noises because they remind me of the fear and chaos that never ends. Imagine how many other kids my age have to put up with what's been allowed by those in high positions. Then
we wonder why our society is collapsing. We've seen P County officers enforcing the law fairly and constantly, often more effectively than local police. We need their full support in restoring restoring order. Law must be enforced
equally for everyone, even those behind badges or with influence. Right now, our city feels broken, but God can heal what people have ruined. Leader leaders must remember that public service is a calling, not a privilege. When we put
faith, honesty, and accountability first, we can rebuild safety for families, students, and the most of vulner vulnerable among us. Please act before we lose more lives, more peace, and more faith. May God guide you to do what's right. I also want to thank the I
also want to thank the Patterson Community Police for all they do for us kids. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you to Patterson's leaders. >> Yes. >> Next speaker, madam clerk. >> Next speaker is George Maracquin.
>> Please state your name and your address. Thank you. >> Uh good afternoon residents of Patterson and the remaining council people. I see that not everybody had the same amount of respect for us. But here tonight, I am the founding member of the Guatemala
Association of Patterson, the new Guatemala Association of Patterson. And the reason I'm here is to let everybody know that we support Ela Vanova and what she's doing. Um because we need new faces here apparently, right? Um, I have witnessed the
challenges that the Patterson has faced and today we more than ever need new leaders who are truly committed to change. That is why we support Ilia Vanovva as a leader who has proven her dedication with with concrete actions
including her work for the welfare of our pets and our elderly. The Guatemalan community stands firmly behind Vanova and we will not let our voices be ignored. With with her and the council, we will move forward with
determination towards a brighter future for everyone. It is um my honor to introduce Ilia, but she went before me as uh the new leader of uh the six war. Thank you very much everybody. >> Thank you so much. Ma, next speaker,
madam clerk. >> Yes. Next speaker is Briana Villanoeva. Please state your name and address. Sorry. Good evening. My name is Brianna Villain Noeva and I reside at the Lake View Patterson residence. I'm 19 years old
and I've been in a resident in the sixth ward my entire life. I have stayed to the margin of politics given the fact that my mom was heavily involved while I was growing up. I always maintained distance from involving myself. It was not until I personally formally met Mr.
Kenyatta Stewart and I saw great potential in him as a candidate to the assembly of the 35th district and a leader in the community. I decided to be working as a challenger for his campaign this past June in the primary election in school 25 and everything was going
great. I had took one of my breaks and Councilman Ibrahim Omar approached me and began to harass me and asking me personal questions such as what was my position? Was I a challenger or pole worker? Who was I working for? He
insisted demanding answers as I was leaving school grounds. as he noticed throughout the day I was obviously working for the primary election. He continued to approach me on a second time when I was heading outside and asked me the same questions in a more
aggressive tone, getting way too close to my personal space and I got frustrated and stated I have nothing to speak about with him and it is none of his business that I was a spectator. Um, give me one second.
>> As um, hold on, give me one second. Um, clearly he got upset and he was arguing with me, candidate Ronnie Herrera happened to happened to walk into the parking lot and intervened on my behalf. Then Councilman Ibrahim Omar began to
argue with the other candidate, Mr. Herrera, as well. Kenyatta's whole team of lawyers came to intervene and end the situation, including Dr. Reena Tiveres, who came to intervene. Um,
many city candidates and city- elected officials sat inside the parking lot intimidating voters across from Kenyatt's pole workers who were stationed who were also teenagers working in their first election. As a female, I felt very uncomfortable. I
felt like he wasn't letting me do my job. And for me to be my first experience working in an election, it was very negative and made me question my safety and if I ever wanted to work an election again.
Um I wanted to come behalf on the young people. I believe I need more young people involved in the political process and working in elections. Um, many young people don't get involved because they get intimidated by attitudes like the
one Mr. Councilman Ibrahim Omar displayed that day. So, I will ask for police presence on the day of the election for safety purposes for myself and for voters and for the pole workers. He never formally apologized and it is
not needed at this moment. >> Thank I also want to thank you everyone who has supported my mom and endorsed her for the sixword council and please remember to vote 3F your Hispanic candidate. >> Thank you Bri.
>> There are no more mo there are no more. Next speaker madam clerk. >> The next speaker is Myra Torres. >> She's not here. Dr. Thank you. >> Dr. Reena Tvaris. >> Dr. Reena Tvaris. >> No, she's not. She She said no.
>> Okay. >> Myra, she she's not speaking. So Myra, I'm sorry. >> Please state your name and address. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, I just want to say good evening, um, madame president, council,
uh, council members, administration, and madame clerk, and all those here and the city of Patterson. Um, I don't come here and I don't stand before you with a contentious spirit.
I'm a fighter. My mother taught me very well Christian foundation since I was 10. I've been knocked down and I've stood up. I've been bullied
throughout my childhood, teenage years, but I fight, but I fight clean. When I present facts, I present real facts. I don't have to come to defend my sister cuz she has a mouth on her.
But I don't like anyone coming against a family member that I don't get involved in anything that has to do with her life or her politics or anything else. I don't bash anyone. I respect each and everyone here. Every
one of you at one point or another minus one I think has gone to my house and has been welcomed and still will be welcomed in my house because there's a lot of things I don't take personal but I have to remind you council people
the disrespect you have between each other some of you doesn't mean that the family members have to tolerate that I'm not going to tolerate that I will take measures this gentleman over here spoke about me
ill for no reason whatsoever. He doesn't know me. I've been working in the city for three years, almost three years, and I am competent. I've done my training and I've done my certifications. No one goes into a new job knowing everything.
I was a commissioner also for rent leveling and zoning board of adjustment. I have integrity, but I don't have to disrespect people and I don't have to throw jabs at people's family. This needs to stop. This needs to stop. He's an employee
like me, but yet I'm not going after him. But don't come after me. I don't tolerate that. If you're going to say something about me, say it with facts. She never appointed me because I was
hired through the municipality. I am more than qualified to do my job. And I feel disrespected as a woman, as a Latina, and as a Patterson employee and resident. I've been here all my life. You want people of Patterson to work,
but this is the way you attack them for no reason whatsoever. And this was not my intention. That's my message. And I dropped the mic. Oh, you're clueless. You got no clue. You got no clue of what you're talking about.
Thank you, Myra. >> Next speaker, Madame Clerk. >> Yes. Next speaker is William Bill McCoy. Kindly state your name and address. >> Bill McCoy. Um, fivetime council president, fivetime councilman of the third ward. And I'm here today with
three items that I'm going to try to um get through rather quickly. Um, firstly is to say that the Bill McCoy Foundation is having its 20th Toys for Kids on December 4th at the Brownstone. We've
been doing that for over 24 years, but this is our 20th um event. Secondly, I'd like to say that um we've we've seen the the news report
of the charges against uh Councilman for the 2020 voter fraud case. And one thing I'd like to point out and to say as a voter that we don't accept thievery, robbery, lying, and stealing as if that's normal
in the city of Patterson. That was the most absurd defense I've ever heard of an attorney giving for his client as to why he should leave should have leniency that everybody else was doing voter fraud and he only stole 800 ballots and
he should be let go. I hope he takes the 5-year sentence plea agreement cuz he may be serving 10 or 15 if he doesn't. You're a crooked guy. You've never won an election. You've stole a few elections and now you'll be paying the
penalty for that. Let me quickly go to the most important item, item number 66 on the ballot, the corrective action plan for the audit report. Many of you know that I've worked in the area of auditing. I think I'm probably the only person in this room that have written
corrective action plans. I was able to get a copy of the plan and Mr. CFO, I'll be I'll make myself available for you if you would like some coaching on how to write a corrective action plan. This one
is woy unacceptable and I hope that the council do not approve this plan today, but give the CFO an opportunity to correct it and to make sure that it has details in it. It doesn't have what you will do. It doesn't have when you will
do it and it doesn't have who will do it and it doesn't have any timely processes at all. This plan says something is going to be done in 2025. It's going to be done in 2027. That's I don't have enough time obviously, Madame Clerk, Madame
President, to go through that. But I will offer you the opportunity to sit with you and go through the plan to show you the inadequacy of this plan. This, I must remind you, are repeated findings that were not corrected from the last audit. And I believe that the responses
that were given tonight were the same that were given then. We're short staff, but we're going to hire some people to get the job done. Well, the job has not been done and we're given the same answers again tonight. I think that the council law to save this for the next
workshop and less than >> I'm not at a $300 rate, but I'll do it for free. >> Thank you. >> To guide you in how to develop a corrective plan. >> Thank you. >> To ensure that the problem gets >> Thank you. >> Next speaker, Madam Clerk.
>> Yes. The next speaker is Joel Keith Jr. Please state your name and address. Thank you. time to do that. >> I will be reading excerpts from a presentation by Charles and Inaz Baron, former council and assembly members from
East New York, Brooklyn, where they successfully prevented gentrification for 21 years. Charles Baron said, "Gentrification is a housing policy of the colonial capitalist system and in cities and states across the country, it
is running rampant." And guess what? It's running rampant where black faces are in high places with political seats. You can't blame white folks because black politicians are doing it. When we came into office 21 years ago, it was
almost 90% black and Latino. 21 years later, as we leave the city council in a state assembly, it is still 90% black and Latino. How do we do that? How do we stop gentrification? The first thing
that you want to do to stop gentrification is determine who has the power to gentrify your neighborhood. When we saw it was the New York City Council, 60% of the city council is black, Latino, and Asian. Whites are the
minority. The city council passes the budget, not the mayor. The mayor present it, but the council has that power. The city council has the power over land use. It is the city council that determines what's going to be built on city- owned land. And even if it's
privately owned, developers have to come to the city council. In the city council, in addition to passing all the laws, the mayor can't even pass a law. The mayor has to get a city council member to sponsor a bill that he or she wants to become a law. Then there's a
thing called council member deference. The council member has the power to make or break any developers project. It could be a billionaire developer. It doesn't matter. So gentrification can be stopped if you have the right radical
strong independent elected officials in the city council. The other thing is the AMI, the area median income. You gentrify black neighborhoods by letting someone else define affordability. We must define affordability for ourselves.
Area median income means those who are making a certain amount of money, 50% below and 50% above the halfway mark. Charles Baron told a story about a meeting he had with a developer who claimed he wanted to build affordable housing, but had planned to gentrify
Charles's community. Once Charles recognized the deception, he said, quote, I then asked him, "What is my neighborhood AMI? This is critical." He didn't know. He said, "Well, I don't know East New York's neighborhood AMI,
my district of East New York." I said, "This meeting is terminated. You come into my community, sit with an intelligent man, and say something stupid like that, you're going to bring in affordability in my neighborhood, and you don't know the area median income of
my neighborhood." The area median income in his neighborhood is $36,000 for a family of three. If you can't accommodate that, you can't build there. That's how you stop gentrification. >> Thank you. Next speaker, Madame Clerk.
>> Next speaker is Keith Watson. Please state your name and address. Thank you. >> It's right there. >> Good evening, Council Keith Watson 3. >> What happened? >> Oh man. >> Is your mic on, Mr. Watson?
>> That's what I was chat. >> No, it's on on this side. It's on over there. >> Or Keith Watson, Patterson, New Jersey. got it started all over there. All right. Well, anyway, it's short. Um I know after July I I
>> it's flicking >> batteries. Mike said mic did something to it. >> M Mr. Watson just speaking to the mic. The mic is on. >> Yep. I see. >> Okay. That's my classmate. Anyway, good
evening, good night, council. Um, I know I had left um for a while because circumstances, but congratulation, Madame Clerk. Much >> Madame President. Okay, I didn't get to congratulate you. I know you're capable.
You're able and you are ready on day one to do the people's business. So, congratulation. And um there's a void, there's an emptiness not seeing
Jacqueline, Madame Clerk, here because I know how passionate and how fiercely devoted she was to her job. But you know, she had to check out uh in the way God wanted to. But
I just want to say to the council that is here, you're doing well. You're doing a fantastic job. And the reason why I say that because when I'm on the street and I'm hearing former
council people is saying how bad this council is and ridicule and saying all type of negative stuff about you know and I look back and I'm like what did they do so special back then?
I mean, one former that just left here, I mean, this tax situation we're in right now, if you go back 18, 19 times, Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. the taxes. So, don't blame this council now for the problem that we're in
because somebody made that problem. And we're asking the council now to try to dig us out of a problem that they made. And and you know some people just got to understand you know when their time is expired
and it's either they don't have the mental capacity to really understand that every thing has a limit and they come and >> run into the rooms and they come into the room and try to just put on a show
and and a stage and parade themsel you know. Okay, you know, with this polished rhetoric and this a o astentious way, you know, like, okay, this is but the thing is Alex Mendes did such a
tremendous job >> and >> no speaking from the public. No speaking no speaking from the public. >> And within three years, the streets and the parks and everything is in good shape. And you know what, my friend over
there, you know, um, Mike, you know, you should hear some of the negative thing that these people talk about you behind your back. So hypocritical. They come here and they smile in front of the counselor and then want to tell the counselor, "Oh, I could do a better job
than you're doing and I'll do it for free." Why don't you give some of those Jamaican people that the free for $1,200? >> Thank you, Mr. Watson. Thank you so much. There's no more speakers. Can I have a motion? There's no more speakers. Can I have a motion? Move to close by
Councilman Veles. Second by Councilman Khaled. >> Second by Councilman Khaled. Roll call. Madam clerk. >> Roll call. Madam clerk. >> M. No, he was not here. Roll call. Madam
clerk. He >> called to close the public portion. Councilwoman Cotton, >> Councilwoman Dava, Councilman Jackson. So, uh I'm sorry before before I um
I uh uh close, I want to take a quick moment just to acknowledge our young people this this evening. and and and I apologize because I should have had them prepared for for uh those
lovely Mora girls as well. I did not know that they will be here speaking tonight, but I did prepare some um uh uh not some recognitions. Mr. Stores if you can, you know, although I know you're not on the clock, you're not working at
this moment, but some community members saw these young ladies speak before and they thought it not robbery to make sure that they had gifts prepared for them. The only thing that we're providing, we provided the uh the acknowledgements, but um young ladies, if you guys don't mind, you come to the to the uh Aubrey,
come to the front. And I promise you, I assure you all of them. Actually, I only had the three citations prepared, but I will, you know, provide them for Go ahead. Go ahead, Miss Moren. Yes, I'll have I'll have a citation for them
tomorrow. All right. But I do appreciate you have you girls having the courage to be able to come forward. That's why I need you up there because this nobody shows more courage than this young lady right here. She's always willing to come to before the council, speak her her
mind, and speak her truth, and hold people here accountable. So, let's give these young ladies a round of applause, please. And just give them the just give it to them because you're not going to be able to speak, Eddie. Just give the the >> You're not going to be able to do that.
Just hand that to them, please. So young ladies, I really appreciate you guys for for standing forward and being courageous and and giving a great example of what young leadership looks like. So thank you. >> No, Eddie. Eddie, I'm sorry. Eddie, I
apologize. >> You cannot speak, Mr. Aliveres. >> All right, Eddie, >> we're in roll call. Thank you so much. No, just give it to them, please. We'll we'll we >> So, we're we're in in the closing of
roll call. We'll make sure that we bring these young ladies forward again to make, you know, to to do something in a totality. So, let me start by saying this because uh I want to send a clear message out to um
to everyone uh those watching, those who were here a moment ago speaking, um those who've complained, other council members who might complain. One, I I never utilize my position as a
position of authority or power. I've never done it at my establishment. I won't do it here. Yes, Mr. Olivaris is employed as a as a legislative aid. His work hours, our normal work hours from
8:00 a.m., as a matter of fact, 5:30 a.m. cuz every morning I could depend on a call from him. We do a briefing and we talk about what's what's happening. In fact, um, Mr. Olivarez has been picking up a young lady who was not only
illegally evicted from her place and I do want to thank um Joel Ramirez for helping to provide hotel for this young lady while we find her permanent residency. But I had to reach out to the uh the chief of the the uh chief of
police, the officer in charge, because the landlord was refusing to give this young lady access to her home to retrieve her belongings. So, not only was she removed from her home by the landlord providing some inaccurate
documentation, but then they were breaking the law because anyone who's evicted is entitled to their things for a period of 30 days. The landlord has to hold their belongings. This young lady reached out to me or actually somebody reached out to me on her behalf because
she wasn't um being allowed to get her thing. She was evicted on the 10th wearing the same clothes from the 10th >> and she spent her entire check last week for a few days in a hotel. Now we we we we assisting her and Mr. Olivaris has
been picking her up in the morning, taking her to work because her car that she once had was was taken from her. So for everyone who's complaining about the work that he does for me, he has a constitutional right like anybody else.
And I will never if he could come here and speak poorly about me. And he tells me this is why I love him because he tells me to my face. He says, "Let me explain something to you, Councilman Jackson. if you do something wrong, I
would come up there and tear your and and and believe me, I I believe him >> and I respect that. So if he comes up here and speaks negative about somebody, he has the right to do so. He is not
here in his capacity as an employee. He's here as a resident, a taxpayer of the community. He has the right to say whatever he wants to say. It is called America. So all of the threats about
you'll hear from my lawyer. You listen do whatever you got to do. Make yourself happy. I've never told anyone who's assisted me, who's worked for me. Oh, you can't do that. You can't say that. I give you a suggestion. You hear him
talking all the time. I make suggestions to Mr. Olivaris. Maybe you sit and say it this way, but he's entitled to say and speak however he wants to speak. And and and that that means yes, I am
running for mayor. And when I do win the mayor's seat, because I will, I will not have employees of the city afraid to come to the microphone because they're being mistreated. They won't have to call a councilman in the wee hours of the night to tell the councilman what's
happening to them. They won't be afraid to come to the microphone night in and night out because I won't run this like a dictatorship and try to use my authority of the seat to intimidate people while I'm failing the community. So, everybody could complain what it is.
The the reality is what it is. I don't know what the hell heck Kef is talking about. All you got to do is go outside, right outside this door. It's atrocious. While everybody else wants to praise, we're not going to do that. while this young lady was callously evicted right
back on the appointment for the housing authority. Right now, the housing authority is holding hostage. Miss Cara T, you're going to be interested in this. 2,000 section 8 vouchers. 2,000 section 8 vouchers they won't release because they're saying they're
holding them for an emergency. Right? If right now is an emergency, wait till another month when when all these benefits are being cut. you're going to have evictions at such an alarming rate. And then the Patterson Housing Authority
is holding back over 2,000 vouchers. So, let that sit in. Um, and and Miss Torres is absolutely correct. First of all, just like Eddie has the right, she has the right to come
here and express herself. But what's disappointing is how um you know pe when people get scrutinized just like I said about the post when they thought I was supporting cuz I I put a disclaimer. Listen, I'm
not a fan of the previous appointee. But it if it was done incorrectly, I'm not I will support her. Everybody there, Justin Rucker, all was happy to Oh, yeah. Thank you, Councilman Jackson. the moment the news was was was really
clarified and I said, "No, I was wrong and this is what it is." Now, all of a sudden, I don't know. I don't read. I all of a sudden I don't know what the heck I'm talking about. So it's disappointing when people are scrutinized and regardless of what maybe you did take class certifications, but
the fact of the matter is any time that there you have a family member that's in a position of authority that has the ability to influence the hiring process, it leaves a measure of suspicion.
So So if anybody wants to question that, they have the right to. But just to come now and say, "Oh, you know, I'm being targeted because I'm a woman, because I'm a Latina." That's just not fair. Just like what Councilman um is consistently talking about. Oh, my
Listen, nobody's talking about what his wife does at home. Nobody's talking about his wife capabilities being a wife. But once she becomes a city employee, she's open to scrutiny. That's just it. And if she's, you know, so qualified as he as he says she is, she
would not have left a package that says fragile. This package must be refrigerated. And she couldn't read the language. So, she didn't understand that and she left the package out. That's a fact. I shared the email. That's a fact. A package was delivered
to the to to to the health department with vaccines on a Friday before holiday weekend. it was left out and all the the vaccines had to be discarded of if you work in the capacity of the health department at the very least you should
understand certain things that's important and that's just a fact people want to negate the facts not targeting her anybody who works there that that should should um go under that that level of scrutiny and with that being said I have to get to this first of all
let me put the disclaimer up I love the young brother he's here Great. Alex Mendes Jr. I've had a the privilege of talking to him in in Home Depot when he was working there once before. I'm very very impressed on
the future. But let's clarify this. The focus, the only thing that I heard him tonight present as a measure of of of uh strategy to improving was we're going to get present more ESL classes. Okay. I'm sure he had, you know, bright
young man. But as he's talking about the leadership that was lacking when he was in school, his father was on the school board when he was in school. He's talking about the lack of leadership that the school board had when he was a
student. His father was on the school board during that time frame. So now you're coming before this council presenting yourself as a candidate which I love and respect I think especially as young people but let's not make let's
not follow down footsteps that wasn't correctly walked have a plan have a strategy have a presentation to what your what you can do that offer that's different don't just say what's
what what what uh uh wasn't done or what's not Especially when your father was one of the people who sat there and failed you when you were in that conversation. >> Councilman Jackson. >> Yes. >> Please. >> What? What's the problem? >> I'm saying can we We're trying to close
it so we could go back into the agenda. >> I understand that. Which I understand that. But this is very relevant and important information. And that's why it's important because see
when when we just continue to vote for people because of what they're doing even even as we sit here in this council we watch the failure and members of the public came here and acknowledge it tonight. And I'll just say this last thing because when you when you watch young leadership like these young ladies
came here present themselves. I I take my hat off to to uh Ilia's daughter. Um I I have not uh endorsed her as a candidate but I will say this her daughter ca coming forward again showing a great deal of courage and if it is in
fact brother Omar you already know he often we we we have a good relationship we talk about things he credits me with being straightforward honest if what she says is correct then shame on you brother shame on you I would not expect
anybody to be rendering that kind of treatment to a young lady, specifically an elected uh someone holding elected position. And I don't think the young lady would have the gumption to come here and and and lie, especially when
she's naming all of the people who had to come out there and come to her aid and support. So, I I'm looking forward to you clarifying that because if other attorneys and security that was needed there had to come out there and remove
you guys from each from from each other based on her being a challenger. That right there raises a concern for me and that is definitely why, you know, I'm not going to speak on your situation right now. definitely why I I'm not
supporting Abdelaziz for this upcoming um assembly race. Again, Kinyatta Stewart emphatically Wimbley, but why would I support people who have never done anything for the community that they're claiming now to want to support?
Abdelaziz sat here night in and night out and had nothing but opposition for all of the other wards and other community groups. Now he's running for a larger position. He should have anticipated that before he did took the stances that he took because many many
many nights he sat here and and and did not give the support when needed for the Brooks Slope residents. The the list is very long. But I digress. If you believe that Mike Jackson has been doing the right thing relative to
gaining your support, I'm I'm telling you that I'm not supporting those candidates. Mike Remaglia, Al Abdelaziz, these people have never done anything in our community and now they're here asking for our vote. It just can't
continue to happen. Patterson, wake up. Black and Spanish people, wake up. Mikey Cheryl. I reached out to Mikey Cheryl's office two years ago because I had 30 to 40 residents at Christopher Hope being illegally evicted. They was take they
were being taken advantage of. They removed them. They forced them to sign new agreements. New agreements that didn't have any any uh uh uh information on it, how much they would be paying, what's the terms of that. That's illegal to make people sign those kinds of documents. And here's a federal agency.
I reach out to her as a congresswoman. She never returned my call. Melanie uh uh Holmes worked for her. She said, "Oh, Mike is this." Never returned my call. Now she's in Patterson every other day doing commercials in Spanish. But would
not help these black and Hispanic people when I call for her support. These are not the people that you should be supporting. They could go along the line and say whatever they want to say, but you already know Mike Jackson's going to keep it 100% every time. Madame Clerk, I apologize. My vote is yes.
>> Yes. Thank you. >> Yes, >> Councilman Khalik. election is in the horizon people and I'm definitely supporting ro a also
al abdulaziz our colleague you know people have different takes we should look at ourself first also at the beginning of this meeting I don't know why councilman Jackson always want to talk about other people he should look at himself the beginning of the of this
meeting he said I am a poor excuse of representation. Go walk around in the second world and go walk around in the first world and see the different. It will tell you a totally different story. So you are you should be ashamed
of yourself. You are the poor representation of the first word. I go out there every day. I see anything I reported. I called the people who need to get reported to. Like I said, election time is here.
You're going to hear a lot of hearay blaming people. Alex Mandon Jr. is a is a great young kid. He a product of Patterson. He was born here. He was raised here. He went to Patterson public schools.
And you you're going to bash the young man for for what? For no reason. Cuz you don't like his dad. >> Yeah. You talk talk. >> There's no talking across from the >> ma'am. You you you Councilman Jackson spoke for 10 20 minutes. He's the one
who been talking all night wasting your waste your time. >> Please. Um officers please can we get can we have set the quorum please? Can we set the quorum? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you Councilman Khalik.
>> Thank you. I have done I have said what I said. My vote is yes madame clerk. >> Thank you Councilman. Councilman Mendes. >> Uh thank you madam clerk. Uh I feel very
happy and I feel blessed today. Um council council president. I will just exceed my 3 minutes. I try to keep it brief, but let me just let me just start by saying that I I'm I feel blessed. God really blessed me because a lot of people brag about different things about
business, uh about their finance, even though I've been a business owner for over 20 years. I've been putting food on the table with my hard work doing business doing real estate with my transportation company and all the business that I have done it. I feel very proud because the God blessed me
with a beautiful family. I brag about my family. I have a 70 years old young man Daniel who is on his last year of high school PCTI and getting ready to go into the Marine to serve this nation. I have
my daughter Maya who is a beautiful, beautiful, extremely young lady that is a Howa University in Washington DC very soon to be a doctor and I hope that she come back to our city to serve our community. And I have Alexander Mendes, born and raised in the city of
Patterson. Went to Norman as school 18 Normanware International High School. William Patterson. He got a mayor. He got he graduated with a mayor on business administration and marketing. And he's on his way back to school to become a lawyer. He went back home
because he have to study. He getting ready to take the exam to going back to school to be a lawyer. I'm proud about that. When people talk, don't listen what they say. look the way they live and how they act. I've been married for 25 years and every day I wake up early
and I feel proud about what I do because I work day and night to make sure that my family it's okay and to serve our community. I'm always say that I could do this job for free at any time because I really enjoy what I do. I came to the city of Patterson, trust me, believe me,
I I moved to 429 Toro Avenue when I came to the city of Patterson. I used to live in an attic. That was my first property that I purchased. This city gave me everything I have. I've been traveling all over the place and I've been doing fine. But every morning I wake up with the
desire to make all the people's life better. My goal is to impact the life of the people around me. And you know what is funny? The former council that was here, I see his face and I laugh because he's a church guy and I see him laughing
because somebody's going to jail. I I feel like what kind of what is this? But it it's still in my mind. But I'm happy. You know why? Let me go back. Just with that being said about my family, I would like to ask the resident of the city of Patterson to go out and vote. Alexande,
he's the right person to be at sitting on the board in one of those seat born and raised in the city of Patterson, but he's ready to serve. He's ready to serve. Going back with me, I remember back in 2020 when that election happened and I say
from the beginning almost six years later that this was political because you will you will see you'll see where we are now when they they rush to charge me. They rush to press charge on me to stop me from taking my seat.
Then they order a doover election. But on top of that with the negative press and my opponent attacking me and fly and fly it, calling me a criminal, I still got the fly safe. I I beat him in November with everybody against me, the
party, everybody in the city of Paris against Alice Mandez. I beat him really bad. He took me to court to a recount. He lost again. And in 2024, >> I beat him again. So to the resident of
the city of Paris, so you have a person that lost three time. I'll be embarrassing. Now let's move uh let's move out of that. You know why he lost? Because I'm a better councilman than him. He spent 20 years in this chair.
You know why? Pay attention doing this. >> I call him a sleeping councilman. You listen. I will bring the tape back. a sleeping councilman. He looked like a teddy bear. He was a teddy bear, a sleeping councilman and and a and a yes man for
tax increase. He vote 20 time the 20 year voting in support of tax increase. It's incredible. Now you know why I'm winning Patterson because I'm not a a sleeping councilman. I'm better than him. I'm more affected
than him and I love people and I care about people. I care about my brothers, my Jamaican brothers and sister because of Alex Mandwax Council McCoy Council uh Jackson also with Brilland Avenue has a rename is
renaming Jamaica way and a car and he was blocking Erocar forever. I don't know why Arocar is a Jamaican brother and he was blocking Arocar to make sure that that doesn't happen. When that came to my attention and honestly it wasn't
my idea, it was it was Commissioner Erocar's idea. Key Waxon to reach out to Cas Jackson myself. You know what I say? God bless me to be city. I'm here to help. I don't care who take the credit. But guess what? Even the prime minister,
everybody came to celebrate that Pis is the only city that has a street rename it Jamaican way. And that happened because you have somebody like Councilman Mendes sitting here. East Side Park was a disaster, was an embarrassment when he was a councilman.
Now the tennis court renovated, uh, the park renovated, the rolling rink renovated, East Side Park, the Larry Dobies, the new Yankee Stadium Piso. Listen, I work with every person that I have to to make our city better. You need to understand something from Alex
Mendes. Let me tell you, everybody knows that Andrew is it was my biggest opponent. And we are because I've been the second highest vulgar twice. Even Jackson doesn't like to hear that. I got double the v the amount of vote that he got. I've been the second highest voter
against the mayor and he's been against me forever. You know what I did when I sit back in this chair? I start working with him. You know why, Patterson? Because it's not about me. It's about what can you do to make our city better? What can you do to make the life of our
children better? What can you do to make the life of the senior, the people that live in the city of Patterson better? It's not about me. Listen, one day I'm going to be gone. I love to serve, but I love to do other things. Maybe I run for higher office. Listen, I'm waiting for my day in court to clear my name. That's
and I've been patient. I want to be honest with my parents resident. It's been hard because I'm not rich. I'm just a hardworking man that have a family and I have a lot of responsibility. It's it is not easy. And I remember somebody said in Washington that he didn't know
that defending yourself in court was it cost so much. I'm going through that Pis and it's been almost six years and I've been holding myself because I know I never done nothing wrong. I know that I'm very
popular. I know that humbly. I could say that because I care about people. Listen, everybody that knows me know that I knock on doors. I love to go out, say hello to people. When I'm campaigning, I don't drive. I get a designated driver. I walk throughout the entire city of Paris. I care about
people and I try to help the community as much as I can. Now, let me just tell you this. Do you believe that with all the thousands of video camera that we have the ring everything do you believe that they don't have one
picture also with the ballots I'm just you know what I'm sitting quiet and I'm waiting for the time because those are that are laughing we will see that's what I'm waiting for that's what I'm waiting for and if you laugh and I got to tell you listen look at my face
you would never be mayor of the city of Paris mark my word my brother you You know why? Because you don't care about people. You know what you do? You humiliate people and you you put you put people in position to humiliate and make yourself big. I've been watching the way
you work. And I used to be you alive back then. But listen, I don't work that. I don't operate. I don't put people down to feel that I'm the best. I'm the top of the world. You're not a good person, brother. I'm telling you. I don't care that you talk against my my song. I don't care. Listen, I'm a better
legislator than you by far. and check all the legislation. When I sit here, I talk about action. Dumping has been a problem. Who put the legislation back and increase up to $10,000? Alex Mendes. The motorbike has been a problem. Who got the legislation done? Alex Mendes.
Not you. Now, you know what you do? You vote against the resurfacing of troll in the first war. I should campaign in the first word. And when I'm when I go back there, it was my job and my council because you vote against you vote against a reconstruction of River Street.
So So you will talk about me the the the time for debate will come. Listen, I don't pay attention to you because when you humiliate people to feel better, I would never engage on any business, any conversation in business. I learned something, Patterson. When you're
dealing with a person that have a good heart, you could work things out. Come on councilman >> I will in closing you could work but when you have a person that have a evil heart there's nothing that you could do to make another people's happy or better
my job here is to make the life of our resident better my job is to work every day with my council ki I don't need to take credit for no we're governing body and I'm here serving the people and when I get back on the ballots if you want to vote for me and you believe that I have
done a decent job, you put me in. If not, you choose somebody else. But I work hard every single day and I love campaigning and I love to beat you again in the third war. I would say that. But in closing, Patterson, let me go back to our city. I understand that the commercial corridor has a lot of
problem. Councilman Jackson spoke about that. Uh, Mr. VA, I know we don't have the VA is not here. I I spoke with uh the director of uh the UZ. We already approved $1.8 $8 million. I want to make sure that we utilize those funding
correctly. I want to make sure that we utilize the the UC dollars that we have to clean our commercial corridor. Prison is filthy. Paris is filthy. And I say this, if we start talking about all the problem that we face on our city, we would never accomplish anything. But a
lot of my council colleague, at least seven out of nine, eight out of nine including me, we put things aside. We could vote for things that make sense. We rejected $65 million because Mr. CFO,
you know, we put it back. It wasn't done correctly. I have to congratulate my council. We're not the mayor Robert Stan because that was not and I understand the ramification of that. I understand that we need it. But we got to do the job, Mr. CFO.
So with that being said, we're here to do the people's business and we should put things aside for a minute. The election is closed and we will have debate. We will see each other in the street, but at least let's use this chamber to make our city better. Madam
clerk, good night. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Omar. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Uh I'm going to be brief as well. For the last eight months, I've had the honor to represent the most diverse and vibrant ward in the city. And you know what's best about the six ward? We don't look about race or
gender or ethnicity or religion. And as councilman, I've worked my tail off to make sure that I deliver for the entire ward from People's Park to South Patterson and to Lake View section. I will continue to do that and I'll continue to get things done. The sixth
ward is stronger because we didn't let people come and divide us and the residents won't be fooled. Thank you. My vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Nuden. >> Good evening everyone. Good evening Patterson. Thank you madame clerk. Uh
first of all thank you all those who uh shared your concern. I I thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining here and every voice uh we take it very seriously and accordingly we take action and I would say regardless your comments
go in our favor or not. I particularly thank every uh comments were made here in the council chamber. uh since Ibraim uh my council colleague Omar just uh spoke so let me let me come
to the point when I was the first person endorsed him when he was appointed for this position and I would like to make it clear to the public here and those who are watching us live and uh Ibrahim I don't know where is he at I never met
him before I made the announcement that I'm supporting Ibrahim Omar my First approach was I sat down with the community and asked them who are they looking for and when I said community it does not mean that only the Palestinian community
or Arabic community I'm talking about the community at large in the sixth word when majority of the six word committee members presence showed their support especially the community leaders support toward
Ibraim Omar I promised them whoever you're looking for to represent you in the sixth word that will be my support in the upcoming election and I supported him to appoint for six word vacant position and I'm moving forward to
support him on November 4th and I see that community coming strongly to support Ibrahim Omar in the upcoming election and and this is where my stand is as a councilman at large in the city of Patterson.
we spoke about and one of the uh candidate in the Patterson Board of Education, Alex Mender Jr. spoke today and there are three upcoming seat um on November 4th. As an educator, as a
councilman at large in city of Patterson, I see it's very important for us to put the right people at Patterson Board of Education. I'm supporting three candidates in the upcoming Patterson Board of Education. First, I'm supporting Alex Mendes Jr.
who is 2E undeveloped. My rationale behind supporting Alex Mendes Jr. is first of all, he's a he's a a product of Patterson public schools, graduated from International High School, went to Patterson University, very fresh in his mind about the crisis
that he has experienced in this school time. as he mentioned that he has seen two of his friends lost their lives to commit a suicide. Has seen that how IEP program IEPs and special education programs are
neglected. How resources are limited or how standardized test performance is very low comparing to other other schools in our state. And when we're blaming the talent of our children but we are not providing enough
resources and when I see that he is he's able to recognize those problems in our in our school system and first time after meeting him I I truly believe that the right person for the upcoming election and also I'm supporting Dela Mccoll is
an incumbent and felt that all the decisions and majority of our decisions was in favor of our children and of our resident in in in Paris. And this the reason I'm supporting this incumbent Christ who her ballot position is 4E and
I'm looking forward to support get support from the residents as well. As an educator, I feel that someone who is from education background would know about the importance of putting children first. And this is a reason I'm
supporting another educator, Christopher Small, who is 5e on the ballot. And so when I supported these three individuals, they're rational behind and I am asking the resident to support these individuals who cares the money that you are putting in especially the
tax hike. I like to make sure that they are not just raising taxes but also using it properly. So I am seeking for your support Patterson in the upcoming election for 2E 4 E and 5E and I'm strongly not just
endorsing I'm knocking doors on their behalf. If we speak about our health care is we talk about stronger school system and when we as Patterson board of education candidates are speaking about this IEPs and special education programs we have
to think about who are the people fighting for us in Trenton and this is the reason I think we all have to support our democratic ticket row A. Now let me come to our local um problems that were con shared here. Um, one of
our residents shared about the um, speeding in our neighborhoods and as you know that our children play on our streets, our seniors walk to the stores and I like to make sure every resident in our community feels safe in their neighborhood
and speeding is a regular issue. When Mr. Freeman spoke about someone lost lost a life on his neighborhood last year and I'm talking about someone who lost a life in right in my neighborhood where I live on Chamberlain Avenue.
Someone was passed on spot that was last year and this is not just one example. their examples out there and seeing the necessity the council members passed a resolution uh to install speed bumps humps on our
streets but unfortunately there's none was implemented so far and my belief was that every time we come up with repavement they will consider that whether these particular streets require humps or bumps to limit the speeding
issue in our city so I think we cannot just wait people to just come here and share the concern but we have to at the same time we're to proactive and take action on certain issues that happen in our city for last many years.
One of our resident spoke about and actually not one of resident many resident speak about the trash collection situation or trash on our city street uh especially about the bulky trash. One of the item was in the agenda was removed especially about um
the filco and renewal of the contract and I like to tell the president patter that there's nothing wrong with filco or rather what other company taking the contract it's about that when we decided not to give contract of baky trash
pickup um just to save money and we decided to keep it inhouse the DPW can collect trash if patter resident schedule online. I'd like to thank Patterson DPW for doing great job. They
are they are able to and as u I can quote the director from last week that he mentioned that 99% were scheduled were um pick up our trust pickup was was able to collect on time which is very
commendable but the result of the last two years is visible on our city streets. We cannot just say that um you know we cannot just depend on the people that they will make schedule online and
the patter is going to collect them. But there are so many res out there they do not know the process especially the elderly generations they are kind of not knowledgeable about this. I like to see that we have to go back to our old
fashion where at least once in a month or twice a month we are collecting bulky trust from every single street and this is the reason I am still looking forward that before we move forward with another additional um contract with Felco. I like to say we
are adding bulk pickup trash whether Filco any other company doesn't matter. Yes, our argument is we are saving money but look we are saving money but we are spending a lot of money on other ways where we are saving money where the pride of our community involved health
of our neighborhood is involved and clean city that where we see that our street is neglected our neighbor is neglected people feel that they are they don't even nobody cares about the city anymore we don't want to see that city
back we want to see a safer and also a cleaner city and that's why I definitely am looking forward that bog trash pick up coming to the contract where a particular day is scheduled for every single neighborhood. Um,
>> councilman. >> Thank you, council president. I would like to just uh close with um uh Freeman mentioned about the SAT preparation program that I am offering uh with partnership of Uplift Academy. So this since he reminded I'd like to just uh
mention one more time that uh partnership with uplift academy I am offering a pre uh free SAT test preparation program. Those are uh specialized um SAT preparation teacher on math, English and also guidance
counselor for college path will be available every Saturday from 9 to 1:00 p.m. at 3:16 Total Avenue. The program will be started from next Saturday, this Saturday. And those who are interested, especially the high school student, I'm requesting you to uh join this free
program which is very expensive. Um if you if you take u you know uh personally uh to any any tutor. So again, I'm looking forward to a positive change. I'm looking forward that every concern, every uh shared here will be addressed
properly. With that being said, um, Council President, my vote is yes to close your public question. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman VeZ. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. Um, just a few things I just want to try to uh say here. Uh, to all the residents of
Patterson, um, please if you receive any kind of emails of or you see flyers from Patterson Education Fund, please do not ignore their meetings or roundt. They bringing a lot of resources to those
parents and students in the city of Patterson. We had a nice beautiful round table last night and um and the and the subject was um the subject was laying back or turning back or putting
student backwards all the words with with attendance all that stuff. how the the district is is have to improve for they could have more more attendance from the uh from their student to school. Uh really really the
the attendance and the failing is real down. That's why it's real important that we elect our people to understand um the Patterson board education and and the educational system. This young man of Mr. tremendous um son came over here
real impressive. Um he looks like he's starting with a good leadership if he start through the board education. Uh take in consideration and read read and and look into their statement and if they are central in in education please
go for that. Um um he got my total support and I will continue supporting Dela Fischer and um and I will let the other person to uh out there to choose the third candidate. You know, I think that um is needed and um and it's needed
at this time especially when they manage a budget of $700 million, you know, and um it's something that had to be uh uh looked into it. Um Mr. Robinson, please. M administration, Mrs. Mrs. Robinson
came here with numerous uh streets. Uh right. Oh, yes. So, she gave it to you. Please follow up with that. Uh try to see if DPW engineering could do a traffic studies and all those streets to see how
we could alleviate uh uh the traffic uh situation or green locks that we have in downtown. if if we need to do some changes or whatever based on what she saw is good notice to to do a traffic um
a traffic study to improve um you know Vanova came over here to the council uh presenting her her speech and and why she's running for uh council seat in the six ward. Uh everybody knows that um uh
she's my aid on the city council. At the same time um I have expressed my support to her in the six ward without taking anything away from my colleague uh in the sixth w uh the resident of the six w
they could represent them. Okay. So you come out and vote. The bad thing if you don't come out and vote the bad person or the bad government get elected. So put check and balance see who you feel more identify and and go out and vote.
Uh it's real important that you come out and vote. November 4 is an important election. Um moral um character is on the line, benefit is on the line. So you had to come out and vote. vote for who
you believe is going to make the difference in the state. Okay. So that's and everybody know where I stand. So but I had to do that general message. Um you know Mr. Ba
um I would like you to please request um to Mr. Joel Ramirez and to the board of health director
a full report of what happened with those so called vaccine because still I'm the councilman. I don't know what happened. I don't get involved in personnel uh um
issue with the city. So, and bring it publicly to the council. Okay, bring it publicly to the council because there have been some accusation as everybody knows and everybody here
listen uh regarding an employee that have uh no expertise, no education, um don't know how to speak English and all that baloney that that person think that that person is. and um and I don't
know I have to defend more that that what I know that the city did a good hiring and and to be able to fulfill that position um you know now I'm going to speak
I will take seriously if monor uh from the cathe and say something to listen I would take it serious
I will take it serious. If a person um you don't hear their name in newspaper whatever and take advice, I will probably believe what they saying. But let me let me tell you, my wife is so prepared and she's so humble that I have
to say that I love her every every day because God put her in my side to keep on doing what I have to do to serve the community. I know I'm the last person to speak. I had to sit here to listen everything that is going on on my right
side and then when I go to speak, they try to rush me. But I'm not going to rush this time. Now, the people of Patterson, >> the people p the people of Patterson are looking for leadership.
Are looking for leadership. They're not blind. They see what they looking for. If they feel that the Patterson is okay with Mayor Andrea, they're going to vote for him. If they're going to look for somebody else, they're going to look for that person. But some people sell
theirel so good to be a mayor that they do me a favor when they start attacking each other and all that stuff. They do me a favor because I got to try to stay what is facts and what is got elected
for. But when a person say that it will change the city and it will make the city look better and the track record of service is so untouchable
that I will vote for that person. But when I see a track record of driving without suspended license 39 31 time, driving with suspicious plates, criminal charges for voter fraud and
witness tampering, uh numerous violation for the board of health, salary and garnishment for def for for defamation of car uh for defaulting in a PRC loan.
um sued by a a resident of Patterson for defamation and they awarded him $70,000 charge for assaulting a police officer charged for harassment and terror threat and assault to a council member and the
list goes on and on and I have a number nine associated with bank robing fake paper that's mayor you want. Go ahead because soon he get elected I move
from Patterson. My vote is yes to close this Pablo portion. >> Thank you. Councilman Council President >> Counciloman Cotton >> I'm sorry. >> Cotton
she passed. >> Who? >> Counciloman. Councilman Cotton. >> Oh, you passed. Oh, I thought you said yes. Okay. I'm sorry. So, Councilwoman Cotton, >> she wasn't close to her. >> It's time to go home. Let me tell you
what time it is. It's been 50 minutes. >> 50 minutes closing out the public portion. 50 minutes. I just want to say something really quick to them young ladies that spoke today. They did an outstanding job. But you know what? It's
it's who they're around to make them good. And four of them, no all of them actually are with the Nancy Gre after school program where they go to school number six. Nancy has her office at uh 51 Cal Street and I have always encouraged the kids to go over there. Um
they have um they take them on trips roller skating to the circus u all kind of activities. And then I I remember when Linda Moran um they had a program with Sharon Eastston and she had a program for young ladies. Uh it was
called like a tea, maybe not know a catilian type thing. And um she put her two daughters in there and they were absolutely beautiful and I can say Sharon really our Lieutenant Sharon E really put together a great job on on
putting that together. And I always try to share with with with my constituents. And I want to say to all that came out tonight, thank you for coming out. But when you find when you hear something, do your best to share it with your with your with your constituents. This this way they know um something that's going
on and things that are going on. And you know, there was a lot of talk here tonight, but I just want to say also that um personally, I'm never going to talk about nobody's family, no council colleague, not when 45,000
people looking at it. It's just not right. You can say whatever, but it's just it's just not okay. Cuz you know what? And I said it today when I brought the young lady in and she sang she was with the tier one recovery. Um you'll be
surprised what you say that makes things happen with people. You'll be like you shouldn't um actually people are looking for for you to give them a helping hand or show them which that direction they need to go to. Um and I just want to make one
more thing clear um that was said about the housing authority. My husband was there when they tore down CC. Every last one of those tenants in CC got a voucher.
So when they came back maybe but they did not take those vouchers. So they went from some of them went from projectbased to tenant base. Tenant based is that and they were also offered I'm talking about CC now. They were offered to go anywhere in the United States that they wanted to go to. They
could go anywhere with because now it was changed to tenant based and not project based. And I can say that um being part of the housing authority, there was so many things that the federal government changed. They changed it. You everybody remember the Smook
brothers? They were housing police. The Smooth Brothers, they were housing police. They got rid of the housing police. Then all of a sudden that was no more security. I have gone to C states in this United States where you have units of 4 or 500 people and they kind
of patrol their need housing police. They didn't need police to come. Meaning that they had a good tenant association that did what they needed to do. Uh and and it can be done for people to say that. But it can be done. Um I just want
to say that um we're here to help. But I saw something on Facebook. My mom lived in project housing for two years. And the reason why my mom moved out of housing because she just didn't like how they were all in your business. They want to know everything about you, your
bank account, your everything, your money, this and that. So my mom said, "I'm not I can't do this. I don't want to stay here." Um, so actually, if I can remember the federal government and I said to them, and I and every chance I get, um, whoever the congress
person is, I said to them, you know, you have to really look at HUD looks at zip codes. They look at zip codes. So, a certain 08 get more than a 07 or 09 or 25. They get
different amounts. And I think it should be fair across the board. They don't come in enough. Um, and every chance I get that I can speak to a congressperson or to a a US senator, I say to them about HUD and how they need to change a lot of the things that they do that are
not correct. Um I'm just what's up and I want to say to to them um HUD changed a lot of stuff that caused the housing authority with or what is happening. They got rid of the maintenance. They made they made the people do maintenance that didn't know nothing about
maintenance. So it didn't come from Patterson Housing Authority. It came from the top. When it came from the top it affected all over the United States of America. >> Well look I was there. you was not there in 19 what year was it? 96 98 1998. So I
just want to make and you you know I just want to make it I don't believe that we got I know we have at least 3,000 vouchers out there. I'm not sure about the other 2,000 that they're holding and that's something I would like to find out if they're holding 2,000. That's a lot of vouchers >> to be a holding and I don't believe that
they're doing and I'm saying I'm telling you what I know. I'm telling you, my husband worked there. I know cuz we were there. He was there when they first tore down CC. He was there and every last one of those people live in the CC project got a voucher. Not to say they went back
into the housing authority, but they went anywhere else. They could go anywhere in the United States, wherever. But I just want to say to, you know, people, I'm almost finished, council president, but you know it it this it was 50 minutes doing closeout. You know, you can think what you want. And I'm
saying, you know what it is. So, everyone out there, thank you all for looking. Thank you all for for for the young people. And I can see they're going to be really great. They're going to be really great because you know what? We're going to show them and tell them the best way they can do. It's not
about sitting here talking about what ain't right, what ain't right. Let's make it right. That's what we supposed to do. Let's make it right. Let's show our young people what we can do and how we can take them and how we can do for them. And I want to say to all the people that came to speak tonight. Um
and I also want to say congratulation to um um Teresa Lauren Nance Lawrence Francis Nance on her appointment to the um Patterson Housing Authority. With that being said, Madame Clerk, my voice is yes to
council president. So let me say this to the p to the public um that's viewing. There's a lot of information that comes to uh the podium by the public. Oh. >> And that's why we have constituent
services that is in in in the chambers and they get that information and respond within 24 hours to the residents. That is why they are here as well as the administration that sits here to make sure. I know sometimes we want to reiterate what is what is said
at the uh microphone, but that is the purpose of having constituent services here um in the chambers. Um I'm going to close. I'm not going to do like anyone else. I'm going to be the change I want to see. I am supporting the Democratic ticket row A starting
from Mikey Cheryl, Dr. Dell Cwell, Senator Benji Wimberly, Assemblyman Abdelaziz, Assembly Candidate Kenyatta Stewart, Christina Stratz, and Micro Magia for um for the u Democratic row a
ticket. I want to say and I want to I want to commend um Mendes Jr. because he came tonight to speak and I want to stay encouraged. I I didn't just hear him tonight. and I heard him in a couple of the debates and
as someone that works in education every single day, it is inspiring to hear a young person who went through the Patterson public school, graduated college, has a full-time career job, and wants to come back and serve the school
district. My hats go off to you and all the other candidates that are running for reelection and or election. We got to encourage our people to do the right thing. Madame clerk, after this vote, we are closing out. Items one and 66 are
being removed from the agenda. U madam clerk, my vote is yes. No more items. My vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Thank >> my vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Okay, council president. >> One second. My vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are eight in favor,
one absent. The public portion is closed. >> Is there a motion to clo motion to close? >> I have a motion to close. moved by Councilwoman Cotton, second by Councilman Jackson. >> Roll call, Madam Clerk. >> Um, >> roll call to close the meeting of
October. I just want to make 25. Councilwoman Cotton. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Um, I just want to make announcement. Um, I was given this information. I had not seen it yet, but we have a young man missing named Javon Cook. Um, I don't have any information, but he's on Facebook. Can
do they have pictures of him on Facebook? And so um he's been missing since um October 13th. So if you can if you know who he is or you have seen him anywhere, the name is Javon Cook. Uh so if you see anything, please um try to
reach out to the family. Uh with that being said, Madame Clerk, um my vote is yes to close this. >> Thank you, Councilwoman. Counciloman Dava, Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Let me just be clear.
First of all, I mean to the uh >> to the unknowing. Anytime you you're critical, it's about bashing. Never once did I bash Alex Mendes Jr.
In fact, I spoke my opening words was I I love and respect him and I appreciate the fact that he wants to come forward. What I did was scrutinize his presentation. I think that if he's a candidate,
he should be more than open to receiving that level of scrutiny. What I said was the only thing that I heard him present was an expansion of the ESL program. And
then I talked about his his comment on not having firm leadership while he was a student. And I pointed out that his father, who is obviously incapable of holding these positions,
talking about legislation that corporation council written on his behalf, he can barely read the legislation, let alone if he wrote it. I have been forced to write more legislation myself than he's than he can ever have written. Um, so that's that's
just a point of clarity. I have never said one one thing about Councilman Mendes Jr. Me personally, I think someone individuals with a a wealth more of experience should be in a should be seeking a position for a $800 million
budget. If not, I think that yes, there is possibil there's a possibility of a young um energetic mind, but bring forward the plan that you're talking about. Talk about how you would
do certain things. That's the only point that I was making. Um, of course, they're going to spin the narrative to make it seem as if, you know, I was uh bashing him because it's clear. It's clear he thinks he can just run a campaign for his son while, you know,
his actions are being scrutinized. Now, I'm not even going to indulge him in any other things. Madame Clerk, I appreciate the time. My vote is uh yes. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Kik. >> Good night, everyone. My vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilman uh Omar.
>> Before I do close out, I just want to remind the city of Patterson and the residents that early voting starts Saturday. Uh you can vote early for the next nine days I believe and then election day is November 4th and I am and I am proud yes 300 McBride Avenue uh
the heritage Alexander Hamilton and I believe there's a few other ones um and I just want to proudly endorse all the row a candidates Mikey Cheryl for governor um Benji Wimberly for senate Alaba for assembly Kinyatta Stewart for
assembly Mike Raglia for county commissioner and uh Christina Schwarz for m Christina Schwarz for county commissioner and to the six ward residents. I am on the ballot this upcoming election. I'm one up on your ballot and I hope I can count on all your support. With that being said, good night Patterson. My vote is yes.
>> Thank you Councilman Newton. >> Thank you Patterson. Have a wonderful night. My vote is yes. M Clark. >> Councilman VeZ. >> Good night everyone. My vote is yes. >> Thank you Council President. And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank you when you came on and you were
appointed, Councilman Ibrahim Omar. You are unanimously supported by this council. I am totally in 100% support of your reelection and you're definitely going to win. I'm so happy to hear the
diversity of your community standing toeto toe behind you because of the work that you've been doing. See, some people don't realize that you didn't just start doing the work because you came here. You've served as Assemblyman Abdelaziz AIDS for years. So, the Six Ward knows
you. You've been a part of all of their town halls. You've been going there forever. Everyone knows you in the sixth war. You have some people sitting right here. I'm not going to look at them, but they're sitting here and they're supporting you, too. People know when people represent uh the community, and I'm super excited about that. I totally
support you. Ibrahim Omar, one F on the ballot, six ward. My people, my family, you already know what to do. Let's vote him back on the seat because he's been doing a great job. Madame clerk, my vote is yes. Time to go home. >> Thank you, Council President. The votes are seven in favor, two absent. Meeting
of October 21st, 2025 is hereby adjourned. Good night, Patterson.