Good evening and welcome to the meeting regular meeting of the municipal council on February 10th, 2026. Madame clerk, could you please do roll call? Yes, council president. Roll call for the regular meeting of February
10th, 2026. Councilwoman Cotton. Councilwoman Dava. >> Councilwoman Cotton. Thank you. Councilwoman Dava. Councilman, >> I see you. Thank you. Councilman Jackson, Councilman Khik, >> here, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Mendes. Councilman Omar,
>> here. >> Thank you. Councilman Uden, >> I'm here, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you. Councilman Vez, Council President. >> Here, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are I'm to the totals are six six here and three absent at this
time. Madam clerk, can you please read the statement of compliance? Um, statement of compliance with the open public meetings law 2025 through 2026, February 10th, 2026 at 7:00 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 through 2026
on or about July 1st, 2025. Two, a schedule of the regular meetings and workshop sessions of the municipal council for the year 2025 through 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, Dominican News, Laiscaya International, Ellis Basiel, 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 through 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, Madame Clerk. hunt tonight. Our prayer will be rendered by overseer,
international overseer Dr. Kim Yansy James right here from the city of Patterson. And our flag salute will be led by uh Councilman of the Six Ward, Ibrahim Omar. Everyone, please stand. Let us pray.
Most holy and eternal God, our father, we come tonight, oh God, to say thank you. Thank you, God, for allowing us to see another day, a day that we have never seen before. And as we have come together tonight, we
are asking oh God that you would move by your spirit and that everything that is said and done be according to your will and according to your way. For your word tells us that if my people,
>> which are called by my name, >> would humble themselves and pray, >> seek my face, turn from their wicked ways, then would I forgive their sins,
and heal the land. So God, we're asking tonight that you would forgive us >> for anything that we have said, anything that we have done, anything that we have thought, God, so that you would hear our
prayer tonight. Forgive us, God, because we need you to heal the land. >> It can't happen without your power. It cannot happen without your strength and
it cannot happen without grace and mercy. So God, we ask that you would touch this city from the office of the mayor, every council person, every person who works in this government. Touch those
who have to speak tonight and let all of the voices be heard. and let you, oh God, be pleased with what is said and what is done tonight. And it is so in Jesus name. >> Amen.
>> Amen. Amen. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Can we please remain standing
for a moment of silence for all of our troops and loved ones who have lost their lives. Thank you. Thank you international overseer Kim Dr. Kimyansi James for that amazing prayer and to Councilman of the Six War Ibraham
Omar for stepping in and doing the flag salute. Madame Clerk, can we do um the uh payment of bills, please? >> Thank you very much, Council President. Uh good evening uh to everyone today. to
my colleagues. Uh you have before you the payment of bills uh with the total the summary of dispersements of $21,76,634.76. Um I want to just make a note that there is a payment to the board of education
uh for $6,78,727.92. In addition, the general government is 12,863,773.84 which include the health insurance and Medicare B. There was no payroll this week. My motion is for payment of bills. >> Second. >> Thank you. Motion by Council Vice
President Davis, second by Councilman >> Khalik, and thank you for uh council uh council vice president and uh CFO for stating that there will be a payment to the board of ed. And then in next month's bill, there will be an additional payment for the board of ed. Councilman Bles.
>> Yeah. Uh through the chair, CFO of Mr. BA, I believe uh two past meeting, we approved a ratified uh uh contracts with uh with the city and union. Uh CFO, um
can can you tell me when we going to disperse uh the retro to those employees? CF >> Councilman um for the health department and the S SOA police S SOA will be for the next pay >> the next payroll
>> next payroll so it will be approved by the next workshop correct >> next the one after then it's the payroll of the >> March >> February 27th >> February 27th >> February 27th pay
>> audience out there February 27 retro will be in your check thank you >> and for the firefighters. They're getting it on display. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. And they were already told. Thank you for that, Councilman Villa. As they were um informed, Council Vice President,
>> Council President, I just got a text from a constituent that the sound is horrible. >> Oh, I have to repeat what I said. >> So, um No, no, they it just sounds muffled. So, um Raphael. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. They're working on it. Madame
Clerk, roll call. >> Yes. Roll call for the payment of bills in the amount of 21 million76,634.76. Councilwoman Cotton, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Davala, >> yes. >> Counciloman Jackson. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. Uh before I do
vote, I think it would be prudent for this council to call a meeting of the a committee of the whole alongside of the uh Patterson public school board. the school board is making decisions that is very extremely detrimental to the
members of our public. We um are the body that's responsible for paying them. Therefore, there should be a level of accountability on some of the decisions that they're making. And with that being said, uh Madam Clerk, my vote is no. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Khalik.
>> Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Mendes. Councilman Omar. >> Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Uden. >> Yes. Councilman VeZ. >> Um, before I vote for the B payment of bills, I just want to say thank you to
the board of education to allow school 30, school 15, and East Side High School when they was removing the snow from Marcus Street Park Avenue in the area to allow the residents to park in those facilities and make it easy. Um,
and school 21 also. Um this we need to reflect that on the record and DPW did a great job in those area and making sure the residents had it parking in between uh the cleaning of those streets. Um the fifth ward is a heart of Patterson and I
believe if the fifth W beeps good the whole entire city will look good. So my vote is yes payment of bills. >> Thank you Councilman. Council President. >> Thank you. My vote is just madam clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are seven in favor, one against, one absent. Payment of bills is hereby adopted.
>> We're going to go to the consent agenda. But just before we do that, Madam Clerk, Councilman uh Mendes said he will be a couple minutes late. Consent agenda. Madam Clerk, >> one second, please. >> Consent agenda. All matters listed under
the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the council and will be enacted by one motion. The items listed under the consent agenda are numbered 6 through 14. Any item may be removed from the consent agenda by the request of any council member and if so removed will be
treated as a separate matter. >> So move >> second move by >> moved by councilwoman Dava, second by councilman and uden. >> Discussion. Councilwoman Dava. >> Just quickly uh madame clerk uh number six should be sponsored by uh Councilman
um Oh my god. >> Omar Omar auding. >> Uh and in addition, Councilman's uh which item is it? >> Number six. >> Number six. >> Item number six.
>> No, that's the one you want to be added on. >> Yes. I I spoke to council. >> Okay. So, um my apologies, Madame Clerk. Sponsored by uh Councilman Omar and Councilman Vez, Mims, and Dava. >> Roll call. Madam clerk,
>> discussion >> discussion. Councilman Jackson, right? >> Number 13. >> He's not here. >> But the BA, >> Mr. Ba, you can. >> Item number 13. Mr. Ba, can you speak to item 13?
>> Department of Health and Human Services. Ryan White. Is is there is there a question or you just want to >> Councilman Jackson is asking for an overview? >> Uh the the City of Patterson Health Department uh facilitates the Ryan White um federal grant not only for Patterson
but for um P County and and and a section of Burton County, maybe the entire county. Uh the Ryan White program is a federal program to combat the spread of HIV and uh and um and AIDS related illnesses. So, our health department facilitates those services
for Patterson and uh the the regional area. No, >> I'm aware I apologize. I'm aware of what it is and and what what it what the Ryan White uh does, but do we have any um reports on
this is it says it's the fourth and final year. Do we have any reports on performance and what what um you know the the benefits how many the the number of members that is served or the >> uh we we can ask the director for that.
He was last he was here last week and prepared to speak on this subject because it was listed and it just it didn't come up for any any member of the council. So he didn't provide any information that you can speak to.
So here's this item is before the council for approval and we don't have anyone who can speak to it. 13 >> give me one second. Um council president can can we remove item number 13 please
madam clerk? Sure, Madame Clerk. Let's do a consent agenda and we'll move item 13 as a regular item. Roll call, madam clerk, on not um consent except for item 13. >> That's it. >> Yes. >> Okay.
Roll call on item on the consent agenda with the exception of item number 13. Councilwoman Cotton, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Dava, >> yes. >> Counciloman Jackson, >> yes. >> Counciloman Khik, >> yes. Council Mendes. Councilman Omar. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Thank you. Councilman Nen, >> yes. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Council President, >> yes. >> Thank you. The votes are eight in favor, one absent. The consent agenda is hereby adopted. >> Item number 15, Madam Clerk.
>> Okay. >> Oh. Oh, item 13. I'm sorry. Item 13. Mhm. >> 15. >> 13. >> 13. Okay. Item number 13 is a resolution authorizing the fourth and final option year renewal contract with collaborative
research LLC for support services. I need the agenda for support services RFP number 22 2022-25 for the Ryan White my and hopa programs of the department
of health and human services. >> So move second move by uh councilman and dava second by council president mems. >> This item is a health and human services item resolution number 26 col088. So moved by Councilman Boez and Dava,
second by Council President Mims. Roll call on item discussion. Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Madam President. Uh Mr. Ba, so I noticed that there's two dispersements, $100,000 and then $30,000. Um so
and this dispersement is going to collaborative research LLC. So, um, we don't have a more descriptive outline of exactly what this, uh, this agency
is doing, >> supportive services. >> Councilman, this is the fourth and final year of the contract. As I had mentioned, the director was here specifically to speak on this item at the work session if there were questions from the council, and there weren't any. So um
the work session would have been >> so basically basically as the BA signing authority >> right >> you're basically telling me there were no questions then so tough I don't have I don't have the liberty to ask a question now >> I I did not state that our health
director is the subject matter expert on this >> I asked a question right >> which I didn't expect the answer to be this was here last week and you didn't have a question last week I mean that's that's not that's definitely Definitely not an answer that I would think would be acceptable.
>> My my answer that I gave you several minutes ago remains my answer. The city of Patterson and the health department facilitates the Ryan White federal program and every year for the last four years, we've collaborated with this company to help facilitate that service. If you want a specific very detailed
outline of what they do, a report, we we'd be happy uh to provide that. Um but I am not in a position to give a detailed dissertation on on this item. tonight. >> So, the first thing is my question was a different question. The first time I
asked for an outline, you you you basically gave a you know overview, but I'm I'm asking specifically this entity, this organization, what is it that they provide? What services do they provide for $130,000? And if you don't know, I I I mean,
that's that's fine. You don't know. But that's that's definitely a question that warrants an answer. And forgive me because I I don't know if you've served as a BA in the past, but when Senator Post sat there, any question that was a
asked from any director, and I'm sure director Rodriguez would can acknowledge this, she was prepared to at least answer the question. as a signing authority, she knew why we're writing a check to an entity and what exactly are they doing? And
as a responsible uh scenario, I would think at the very least there would be an outline here of what they do. But, you know, I I I I digress. Um, we can move forward. I apologize. >> Council President, >> thank you. Ro, >> Council President, >> uh, Council Member Veles. Um the first
way asks it says that the city adopted resolution uh 22-9 on January 18, 2022 was awarded a contract to the competitive contracting collaborative of research LLC. That is
in 2022. Now we in 2026. Um I'm fully aware that this will serve all those individuals that are struggling with this HIV pandemic uh in
in as in the world and is in all over the city of Patterson is all over in others municipality that uh you know needs this service. Um and and and to question the BA um and trying to uh
belittle his expertise is is out of for me is out of line. Uh but if the if the council if the council and this side do not understand what is this for I I don't think we've been voting for the past four years for this type of program
and um and and I think we should move forward. Thank you council president. >> Thank you. Roll >> council president. Council president >> Councilman Jackson. So first of all, I had already acknowledged that we we should move forward, but to the councilman's point who's extremely um
uneducated on what the process of what our obligation here is a council. Whereas the municipal council of the city of Patterson adopted resolution number 220919 in January. That's not telling us the performance of what we've done. This
council is supposed to be the responsible body that when we give away money, regardless of where the money came from, when we just blank check, right, to to an entity, we understand exactly the services that they've rendered. We understand the performance
evaluation of what they rendered. How many people are they serving for for these people? What services are they are they are they supplying? Now, I I'm not expecting the BA to understand all of those intricate details, right?
and and and I will acknowledge normally the uh director of health and human services is here to answer to these questions, but as a body who's continuously writing checks and and and getting poor service provided by various
entities, whether it's the garbage company, whether it's the, you know, um you various contracts that we have, we should be scrubbing all of the contracts, making sure that the services that they're being paid for that they're actually rendering. You can't do that if
you're not asking for a report. So, for for you to insinuate that there's an attempt to belittle the BA as the signing authority and and I'm only talking about past practices. I had an opportunity to watch uh uh uh the congresswoman sit there as a BA and she
had a question. I mean, she had an answer for every question. Am I wrong? Did she not have an answer? Every single time a question was was asked, every single time a question was asked, she had an educated answer. She didn't just say, "I don't know. They was here last week. You guys didn't have any
questions, so you know, get out of my face with this right now." That's not how things work here. But anyway, I digress. We can move on. >> Thank you. Roll call, Madam Clerk. >> Roll call on item number 13 for adoption. Councilwoman Cotton, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Davo, >> yes. Councilman Jackson,
>> yes. >> Councilman Khalig, >> yes. >> Councilman Mendes, >> yes. >> Councilman Omar, >> yes. Madam Clerk, >> Councilman Uden, >> yes. >> Councilman Vez, >> yes, Madam Cler. >> Council President, >> yes. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number 13 is hereby
adopted. >> Thank you. Item 15, Madam Clerk. >> Second. >> Item what? >> Item 15. >> 15. Item number 15 is a resolution authorizing the second and final option year renewal contract with Mill
Millennium Strategies LLC for grant writing services for the city of Patterson RFP number 2021.34 administration resolution number 26 col09 >> second moved by councilwoman
Councilman Zavala second by Mims and Mendes roll calling 15 madam clerk >> roll calling Item number 15. Councilwoman Cotton. >> Councilwoman Dava. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Jackson. >> Very good. Very good. Thank you, C.
Council President, I think that we should indulge an opportunity for a break to allow um the technical difficulties to um be worked out. I I just got another call from another resident who's saying that. And you can
actually hear in the in the hallway, you can hear how bad it is, but they're complaining that they can't make out what uh what anyone is saying. And I'm I'm fearful that this is being um placed on record this way when some when we go
back and watch these these videos. Um, okay. Yeah, we understand we have a synographer, but you know, the the the the record that most people in the city of Patterson is going to is going to turn to is the the video recording, and
it's it's not it's not it's not audible at all. U Madam Clerk, so President, I don't know if you think it's um not robbery to allow for an opportunity for >> you. Good. So, Councilman Jackson,
YouTube is fine. There's issues on the cable channel, which the cable companies are working on, but YouTube, if they can't do it, they can go to to the YouTube channel. >> Okay. All right. Fine. That's fine. Where are we? Are we in roll call? >> Yes. >> All right. So, one of the things that uh
is very disappointing to me, it's a matter of how this council has taken the stance on rushing through all of the things we do now. this contract here with Millennium Strategies
um relative to its performance and how it the the the residents have benefited and I'm hoping at the very least and and and Mr. BA, I don't expect you to answer any questions towards on this item, especially now we're already in roll
call, but my phone has not stopped ringing this entire week. And I know you're not a resident of the city of Patterson, so it doesn't impact you much. And I'm not sure how much you it's a concern of yours, but there are residents that have gotten tax increases or let me talk let me say their uh
assessments for their homes that have been uh three to four times the value of what their previous assessments were. And to add to that, the notice that went out
to um to the public, it was ra it was it was a bit much misleading, if you will, because it it posted there that there was going to be a um a tax rate reduction from 5.3 down to 2.261,
which is extremely misleading. I think that while we're continuously moving on items such as this for grants and things of that nature relative to the council, we should be talking about how this money is being dispersed and how it is
benefiting the taxpayers. And more importantly, I'm hoping at some point tonight, especially, I know it's not on the agenda, but we should get some kind of outline um uh on on the ramifications of the these uh these new assessments,
and what are we going to do when taxpayers are incapable of paying their bill? What guarantees do they have that the tax rate is going to actually be reduced to 2.6% and etc. But, Madam Clerk, on this item, I cannot support this. Uh, my vote is
no, but I'm hoping that we can get an answer on some of these more pressing items, how taxpayers are being impacted. My vote is no. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Khalik, >> my vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Mendes. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Councilman Omar, >> yes, ma'am. >> Councilman Uden, >> yes.
>> Councilman Vez, >> so Mr. BA I know we in voting section but I know this uh millennial strategy had brought in last year only $40 million. Can you please elaborate a list? How much money? You know I know $40 million
in grants and you know grant writers out there a list how the resident have been benefit on those 40 million. That's the right question to do. Uh my vote is yes on it. >> Thank you councilman council president. >> My vote is yes madam clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are eight in favor,
one against. Item number 15 is hereby adopted. >> Item number 17, Madame Clerk. Item number 17 is a resolution honoring Dr. Joseph S. F. S. Fulmore, Senior, celebrating his 80th birthday and his commitment to the children and to the
community, sponsored by Councilwoman Ruby N. Cotton. Council President Dr. Lisa Mims and Council Vice President Marissa Davala, City Council resolution number 26 col092. >> So moved
by Councilwoman Cotton Mims and Dava, second by VeZ, >> Council President Mendes >> and Uden. >> Roll call on item 17. I added you. >> Can I you add me? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Can you tell on the
record? You want to be added as a sponsor? >> Yes, please. Because he was a good teacher for my kid. >> Um, >> and that's why they are productive. >> Co-sponsor by Council Member Le. >> Good. Thank you.
>> Roll call, Madam Clerk, on item 17. >> Roll call on item number 17 for adoption. Councilwoman Cotton. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. This is a resolution um honoring um Dr. for more for going to be celebrating his 80th
birthday, you know. Um I wish him well. He has been working for the board of ed since the 1970s. He was assistant superintendent. um he was actually the first one to start the initiation with the young black boys um in the city of Patterson
at public school number six where he had the opportunity uh back in the 80s to take those young men to the south I think it was South Africa that he was able to take these young men to. So with that being said this is truly for him to be able to celebrate 80 years of being
on this earth. I want to say happy birthday to you Dr. Fulmore. Madame Clerk, my vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman Dava, >> it's always great, you know, to talk about history and and see someone like Dr. Fulmore who has been p part of our
our school system for so many years, working with our youth and our community. Um, I haven't had the pleasure of working very closely with him, but I have had the pleasure of working with his daughter, Jada Fulmore. And let me tell you, she's dynamite. and that is just an offspring of who her
father and mother are. So, I just want to say I'm happy that I'm able to be part here today and see his celebration. So, I'm looking forward to Sunday, March 1st. Okay. Where we'll be presenting to him uh this recognition. Uh my vote is yes. Thank you, Councilman Jackson.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Khik, >> yes. >> Councilman Mendes, >> yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Omar. >> Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Uden, >> yes. Councilman VeZ. >> So when I made my statement that he was a good teacher for my kids, when I brought my kids from Erie, Pennsylvania
to Patterson, he was the first one that say, "Trust me, East Side High School is a good school." And um and that's that's that's one of the good things. But one thing that he said is, "But I need help from parents
to get involved in school." And there was councilwoman Ruby Cotton there with me and um I could talk highly about Mr. Fulmore. Um and if I have professional kids in my life is because the product they are proud of Patterson School
District. So saying that congratulation on your birthday and God give you health to continue working with all of us in this city. My vote is yes. >> Thank you Councilman. Council President, >> thank you. >> Thank you. Patterson is greater,
especially in the educational system. He's mentored, trained, and helped so many people from schools like school six, which is the Senator Frank Lawenberg School, and the scholars program at school number 28, and he continues to mentor and help people in
the area of education. My vote is yes for Dr. Fulmore. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number 17 is hereby adopted. >> Item number 16, Madam Clerk. Item number 16 is a resolution honoring the 182nd anniversary of Dominican
Independence Day sponsored by Council Vice President Marissa Davala and co-sponsored by the remaining council members. City council resolution number 26 colon091. >> Second move by Councilwoman Dava, second
by Councilman Mims, Cotton Mendes, BZ Uden, Omar. >> Roll call on item number 16. Madam President. >> Yes. >> Uh Councilman Avel has asked uh to be added. Um and just so you know um and many of you all know that I'm not
Dominican, but I do bear a Dominican son. And um as we were celebrating uh black history uh here February 1st, I realized that you know within our meetings we are supposed to be able also to celebrate the independence 182 years
of independence. So in honor of my son, I took the privilege since Councilman Mendes was not available to do so. I thought we have to. It doesn't matter who sponsors, but the fact that we are going to celebrate 182 years, that is why I took so I know that Councilman has
asked and if Councilman Mendes would like to also be a sponsor, he is welcome to do so as well. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, >> so add sponsors uh vez >> Menddees and Mendes >> the remaining council if it's okay to be the co-sponsor.
>> Yes. Perfect. Roll call. Madam clerk. >> Roll call on item number 16. Councilwoman Dav. >> The Dominican community is a vibrant community. um they have been you know um
coming into Patterson the way I should say it but who has come in our schools who has come in our schools business businesses are are thriving homeowners and I just want to say again
I'm doing this in honor for leaders uh and even the ones that are not in leaders are just at home watching right now uh but especially for my son. My vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Well, since
Councilwoman Davillaa is able to be a sponsor due to uh her son, I should be a sponsor due to my grandson. I have a Dominican grandson. >> You can put him on board, too. and I have the absolute best Dominican aid
that this city has seen with the utmost integrity, >> which integrity speaks for speaks volumes. Um, but uh it's a it's an honor to be a part of this and uh uh my vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Colleague,
>> my vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Mendes. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Council Medava, thank you. Uh I was missing I was missing at the last meeting. appreciate that and uh thank you for having me as a sponsor as well and uh definitely we celebrating the 182 years our anniversary of our independent and the
Dominican Republic and I would like to invite the council every every uh probably 27 I host an event here in city and the chamber. So all the council members that involved to celebrate the Dominican independence day with music with food and you know so we're going to have a great time with that being said my vote is yes mad.
>> Thank you Councilman Omar. >> I look forward to celebrating with our Dominican community. My vote is yes, madam. >> Thank you, Councilman Uden. >> My vote is yes, madam. >> Thank you, Councilman. >> Congratulation to the Dominican community and 182nd anniversary of the
dependence. And also, I want to congratulate the new Congress woman from the 11th district. >> Mr. Mayhe, yes. >> Yes. I'm sorry. Uh my Let's continue celebrating together and united.
>> Council President. Yes, >> Council Lesie took my thunder. My vote is yes. Congratulations to our Dominican brothers and sisters. My vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number 16 is hereby adopted. >> Item number 18.
>> Item number 18 is a resolution authorizing the award of contract to Johnson Controls, Inc. for the maintenance service agreement for the HVAC at the Patterson safety complex under source well contract number 080824-JHN
for the department of public works public works item resolution number 26 col093 >> so moved >> second >> moved by councilwoman mim second by cotton and uden roll call madam clerk
>> roll call on item number 18 for adoption Councilwoman Cotton, >> Councilwoman Deava, >> Councilman Jackson, >> for the public safety complex. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. Well, I know this is desperately needed, but um I'mma pass, madam clerk,
very quickly. Give me one second. >> Okay. Councilman Khalague. >> My vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Mendes. >> Yes, madam clerk. Councilman Omar. >> Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Uden. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Councilman Valz. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Jackson. >> My vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Yes. >> The votes are nine. >> Yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number 18 is hereby adopted. Item number 19, Madame Clerk. >> Yes. >> Item number 19, the resolution
authorizing the award of contract to Hudson County Motors, Inc. for the purchase and delivery of 1225 Western Star 47X Chassis under TIPS co-op contract number 230802
for the Department of Public Works. Public works item resolution number 26 09. Move. >> Moved by Councilwoman Davis, second by Velesa Mendes. Roll call on item number 19. Madam clerk, >> roll call on item number 19 for adoption. Councilwoman Cotton,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Dava, >> yes. >> Councilman Jackson, >> yes. >> Councilman Khik, >> yes. >> Councilman Mendes, >> yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Omar, >> yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Uden, >> yes. >> Councilman Valz, >> yes.
>> Council President, >> yes, Madam Clerk. Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number 19 is hereby adopted. >> Item number 20, Madame Clerk. >> Item number 20, resolution authorizing rejection of all bids for vehicle maintenance and repair services, bid
number 26.01 for the Department of Public Works, public works item resolution number 26 col095. >> Moved by Cot and second by Khalik and and Vez. Roll call on item number 20. Madam clerk,
>> roll call on item number 20. Councilwoman Cotton, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Dava, >> yes. >> Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Um, >> Director Rodriguez, I know we're already in roll call. Maybe you and I can have a sidebar after this. trying to figure out
um and I know it's a rejection of bids, but why aren't we uh doing what's necessary to be to build our um capacity within the the department? But Madam Clerk, my vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilman Clique.
>> My vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Mendes. >> Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Omar, >> my vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Uden, >> yes, Madame Clerk. >> Councilman Vez, >> yes, Madam Clerk. Council President. >> Yes. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number 20 is hereby adopted.
>> Item 21, Madam Clerk. >> Item number 21, the resolution to resend resolution number 25 col 466 and authorizing the award of contract to Assurance Auto Body Collision, Inc. for collision auto body repairs for vehicles
over 14,000 GVWR rebid number 25.23. 23.1 for the city of Patterson public works resolution number 26 colon096 >> discussion >> moved by councilwoman uh cotton second
by mems and davala discussion councilman >> u d I know director probably is going to answer quickly so we are rescending the >> resending the first >> the first >> and give it to the sec why uh can you
tell us Hi. >> Wait a minute. >> Okay. Your mic. Sorry. >> Is it disconnected from there? >> Wait a minute. >> I think >> Yeah. Thanks, Scott. You test it now
before we saw the >> No, it's over there. Push. >> Wait, is it stuck by you or No. Excuse me. >> Or can we give him the handheld?
>> Can we give him the handheld? >> Yeah. >> He could speak over here. You could use one of the >> mic. No, the hand put the hand. Yeah, the white is >> volume is not still okay. People should have checked.
>> Is unplugged there. >> That's not What's this? >> Thank you. We'll use the handheld tonight. It works the same. >> You look better on that microphone. Yeah. Go ahead. >> Now, this this company um they we're rescending the bid because they don't
have the facility to handle um like our garbage trucks, ambulances, anything bigger than a regular car, they won't be able to to handle that that kind of work. So, that's why we're rescending. >> Okay. So, uh, the the bottom on on the resolution here says, uh, $65 an hour
labor rate not responsible. Can can can you clarify that word, nonresponsive? The nonresponsible means that the uh their facilities is not adequate to hold our our our our vehicles. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you, Council
President. >> You're welcome, >> Councilman Jackson. >> So, this is for body work. Uh >> yeah, this this part of is for body work. >> So, um I noticed you you talked about ambulances. So this contract is to cover
body work for PD fired for everything. So it it runs through you. So all of the um the vehicles that are that require um body work, they >> this would be the facility for them. >> I'm sorry. >> This would have been the facility for them, not just DPW.
>> So this would be for all city city vehicles, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And do we have a report on how many vehicles um require uh body work and how many how many vehicles do we have had body work over the LA over the last year?
>> I can get you what public works has. I don't have to ask the other department or the the departments. >> So okay. So if this contract is being facilitated through DPW but it is actually to cover the work
required for all vehicles. There's not one reporting system like >> No, I believe um all like even the auto maintenance, the one we just uh um the one we just uh rejected the bids is also covers all cities, but it came through DPW just the way it's been.
>> Okay. So, so that also requires So, that's that was specifically for diesel >> vehicles, right? >> Yeah. And um so all the but any other work that's taking place on the prospective vehicles within various departments they have their own
perspective uh motor pools right we have a PD motor that do their mechanic work fire department motor but specifically when it comes to body work all of these vehicles get outsourced it's it's coming through and uh what's the uh what's the
bid amount? Uh 40,000. >> Yeah. Not to exceed >> Not to >> Not to exceed 40,000. >> So $40,000. I mean, I see police vehicles like licked up pretty bad. And
I also see DPW um vehicles. That's So what what do we what what is the uh the requirement when we do actually utilize this contract? It's only $40,000 for >> Well, I do believe we still have another auto body. Um the one on 38th and Market
Street, I forget the name of it. PMNM used to be PNM. We also use them. They they're on contract also. >> So um okay. So I'm sorry, madam madam president through the chair uh Mr. CFO,
are there not any procurement um restrictions with regard to um delegating portions of of the same required um uh uh service
is I mean technically right I guess it's it's it's uh just designated to the contract but if we have a contract that's that's not to exceed 40,000 therefore were this isn't 45,000 is the threshold.
Correct. >> Yeah. If you this contract is for the larger vehicles. >> So their facility couldn't handle the larger vehicles. A garbage truck um ambulance, maybe a bus somebody has >> that they couldn't handle the vehicle. That's why we rescending the um
>> the contract. >> But are we actually doing body work on a garbage truck? >> On garbage? Yeah. If it needs if if it weld if it's leaking, we got to weld the body. Um, most of our stuff is regular cars. Uh, but I don't I never seen a a a a garbage truck have to get front end
work. It's usually just welding. >> The front end wouldn't consist of body >> like hitting something and, you know, crashing a bumper, but this is usually for welding work on the body for the uh the hopper and stuff like that. >> So, general maintenance um for only
$40,000. I would assume that, you know, considering the amount of damage vehicles we have, can I can we get a report on that, please? Um, specifically whatever and and and that that includes the other contract as well for the other vendor. >> Okay.
>> Um, and why are we why are we going out to bid if we have we're going if we're if this is a contract not to exceed 40,000? >> Why are we going out? Because we we can't perform that service in-house. No, >> no, I understand that. But this falls under this falls under the bid threshold. Correct.
>> Yeah, that would be a procurement with what Harry would have to tell you why he wanted to do it this way. >> Understood. All right. Very good. >> Thank you. Roll call, Madam Clerk, on item 21. >> Roll call on item number 21. Councilwoman Cotton. >> 21.
>> Okay. I don't think her mic is up or >> she said yes. >> Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman Davilla. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Councilman Jackson. >> Um, you know, I'm a bit on the fence with this item, mostly because of the lack of reporting and and lack of
understanding. I don't think that uh um I don't think that uh $40,000 is sufficient considering the amount of and and I understand the director is talking about the more large scale vehicles. Uh
I do have some uh trust and faith in in in this not being um misguided. I just don't think that this is serving us well. It's only $40,000, but obviously this feels like a service that we can hire someone for and and and and
start doing in-house if and you you can only determine that if we we have reports on how many vehicles we we we we're repairing for $40,000. But uh I want to support this director, but I really can't. I know it's not not falls
on your on the burden on your plate, but uh I need to see some more documentation on what what exactly we're we're approving here. My vote is no. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Khalik, >> my vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Mendes. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Uh director, even though I I understand that the
number is kind of low for the uh the size of the vehicle that we're planning to serve, but I understand that we have another contract. If you could give me a copy of the other contract, do you uh just I would like to know the number. So just to compare with this one the other the contract with the uh other um vendor
that we have that take care of most of our fleet. I understand that this is for big size only. My vote is yes madam clerk. >> Thank you councilman Omar. >> My vote is yes madam clerk. >> Thank you councilman Uden. >> Yes madam clerk. >> Councilman. >> My vote is yes.
>> Thank you. Council president. >> My vote is yes. Madam clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are eight in favor one against. Item number 21 is hereby adopted. Item 22, Madam Clerk. >> Item number 22 is a resolution authorizing change order number one for
the 2023 state aid road resurfacing program bid number 24.22 for the engineering division of the department of public works. Public works resolution number 26 col097. >> So moved by council member le second by
council president mems and uden. Roll call on item 22. Madam clerk. >> Roll call on item number 22. >> Discussions for a minute. Discussion for a minute. >> Discussion. Council member vest. >> Thank you. Thank you, council president. Uh this is a good news that is reducing
uh the amount that was bid for and uh you know they saving us $27,249. Uh, director, can can we can we put that money in another small project on roads? Uh, like uh for example, um we have some
kind of uh roads that are speedways and they could put speed humps or whatever with that kind of money. >> Um I think I don't believe so. This money comes from the eye bank. So we would have to uh re um rebid anything that that money would be used for. We couldn't just put it on anything.
>> All right. Thank you. Congratulation because they did the work with less money. Council >> call madam council president. >> Um council >> Mendes. >> Thank you director. I know I know you heard speed bump and speed pump many many time. We passed this legislation a few years ago. Um let's look into I mean
we're doing a lot of resurfacing. Let's put that in perspective because as you know people are flying here in Patterson. when they go out of town, they slow down when they as soon as they get into Patterson. It's 50 and 60 miles per hour on residential area, especially 11th Avenue, 12th Avenue, all over the
place. So, please >> Thanks, Council President. >> Roll call, Madam Clerk. >> Roll call on item number 22. Councilwoman Cotton, >> Councilwoman Davo, >> yes. >> Counciloman Jackson, >> yes. >> Councilman Khik,
>> yes. Councilman Mendes. >> Councilman Mendes. >> My vote is yes, Madam Cler. >> Thank you, Councilman Omar. >> My vote is yes, Madam Cler. >> Thank you, Councilman Uden. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Before I vote, um, director, so as you know that we
have passed an ordinance about speed humps, pumps, but some areas are really in need though. If you if you think about these school areas, we can some of these streets we repave, we could have considered bumps on on those particular streets. So I think
next time if we come up with more resurfacing which is coming up in the spring as well. I think that should be in the consideration not only the people's request but we have to see that what zone we really need to add bombs or ham. So that's the great news that we we came up with the degrees and I used
after a long time I have seen that positive change I would say with that work order. So my vote is yes of course. >> Thank you councilman Vez. Uh the director was clear moving forward he's going to look into the scope of work at every streets and the department
engineering and the traffic engineer will see if it's merit to see if we could go out to bit with those requirement and hopefully they come low that we could fulfill the community with the speed humps. So my vote is yes. >> Thank you councilman. Council president.
>> My vote is yes madam clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor none against. Item number 22 is hereby adopted. >> Item number 23, Madame Clerk. >> Item number 23 is a resolution authorizing a contract extension with Prolift Equipment Services, Inc. for
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Services, bid number 22 24.02 for a period of up to three months for the Department of Public Works. Public works resolution number 26 colon098. >> Moved by counciloman, second by council
men. Discuss discussion. >> Discussion. Council um Mendes and then Councilman Odin. >> Thank you. Director, why three month? >> Uh to give us a chance to go out to bid again. Uh get the big stacks together and go about this is um we're extending them because we're rejecting the other
bids. That was uh 19 I believe it was 1918. So we needed the contractor on contract to continue to service our our heavier trucks >> with the existing contract. >> Yes. >> So we should have before the three months we should have another uh resolution. >> Hopefully by before the 3 months we'll
bring another resolution to um give another contractor or whoever wins the bid the the contract. >> Very good. All right. Thank you. >> Uh council >> council Odin and then council. >> Thank you council president. I I had similar question that why three months but you have answered the question. >> It's mandatory. I mean not mandatory but
it's just so >> no the reason is are you are you going for another bid or bid was rejected whatever the situation we wanted to know that >> yeah the bids were rejected we're going to go out um and I guess bid again we're talking about >> how so what's the services how they are doing service do you think they can be
renewed or like I don't like how what's if I ask you about their performance how would you recommend >> their performance their performance is great >> all right sounds good thank you >> thank you council cotton >> thank you madam clerk I just want to um say to you um director that um
we haven't we wasn't able to um get another bid in yet because I want everyone to understand that once we go out the bid Harry is the one that put the specs together along with your help of what you're looking for and normally it takes 60 days um to go out to bid
come back uh and let me remind council members everyone has the right to go upstairs when they open up bids just to see who who gets to bid but it's normally a a turnaround of about 60 days. Um, so now I know Harry Potter put it together a person agent to go out the
bid, give him 60 days, they bring it back in. They have a opening date. They have to publicize that opening date for whoever else wants to come in there. So that's why they have to extend it for uh 3 months. Thank you, director. >> Council President, >> Councilman Velas. >> So I I noticed that this expiring
January uh January 31st. is going to be uh starting on February 1st up to um uh April 30th. Uh this is for repairs of vehicle uh director. Uh this will include parts or
>> Yeah, they they um with with their services the parts. >> Okay. Thank you. I appreciate. >> Thank you. Roll call, Madam Clerk. >> Roll call on item number 23. Councilwoman Cotton. Yes. >> Councilwoman Dava. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Jackson. >> Yes. Councilman Khalig,
>> yes. >> Councilman Mendes, >> yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Omar, >> yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Uden, >> yes. >> Councilman Vez, >> uh, before I vote, director, you could submit me a list of how many vehicles we still have in in those shops.
uh a list how many are in repairs and um and still waiting for and making sure they get paid to get released. Uh my vote is yes. >> Councilman Councilwoman Mims. >> My vote is yes, Madam Cler.
>> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number 23 is hereby adopted. >> Madam clerk, let's do our second reading ordinances. >> Item number one. Item number one is a second reading ordinance. Public hearing is required. Ordinance converting the
intersection of Trenton Avenue and Illinois Avenue from two-way stop control to always stop control to improve public safety. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by council woman me and uh Omar
second by Councilman Vez and Mendes. >> Public hearing is now open. >> See no move to close. Seeing none moves to close on item number one. >> Give three seconds. >> Seeing none. Move to close by Councilman Mendes. Second by Uden. Roll call to
close uh the public hearing for the conversion of Trenton and Illinois a madam clerk. Roll call. >> Roll call to to close the public hearing on item number one. Councilwoman Cotton. >> Councilwoman Dava. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Jackson.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Khik. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Mendes. >> Yes. Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Omar. >> Yes, madam clerk. >> Councilman Uden. >> He's not seating. >> Councilman Vez. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Council President.
>> Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are eight in favor, one absent. >> Roll call on item number one. Madam clerk. >> Roll call on item number one for adoption. Councilwoman Cotton. >> Councilwoman Davo. >> Yes.
>> Counciloman Jackson. >> Yes. >> Councilman Khalig. Yes. >> Councilman Mendes. >> Yes. >> Councilman Omar. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. I'll speak more about both of them at the next item, but my vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilman. >> Go. >> Councilman VeZ.
>> Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilwoman Mims. >> Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number one is hereby adopted. >> Item number two, Madam Clerk. Item number two is an ordinance converting the intersection of Trenton
Avenue and Florida Avenue from two-way stop control to always stop control to improve public safety. Public works ordinance number 26-005. >> Second by moved by Councilwoman Zaba and
Omar. Second by council and thank you council. Public hearing is now open on the uh converting the intersection of Trenton A. >> See none. >> Chair now move to close. >> Hold on. Hold on. There's somebody in the audience. That's why I said give
three seconds. >> We're opening the public hearing only to discuss the intersection of Trenton and Florida A from a two-way control to an always stop per the residents in that ward. >> Okay. My question was uh how is this
determined like uh what which areas are going to get the allway stop? >> So >> cuz this looks like it's it's uh sectioned to one area of the city. >> So how is it done?
>> So So what happens is there's a request that is made. It was made by the residents through the councilman of that ward. Uh it's sent to our traffic engineer. They do a traffic study with recommendations on the traffic flow for the direction whether it's southbound,
northbound, east or west. Once that is determined, >> right, based on the accident reports, there's a whole data report that goes with it, then it goes to our DPW committee, which is a cons uh comprised of four council members. Um, I'm not sure if all four showed up to the
committee meeting, but they go to a committee meeting to discuss it and then it's brought forward. So, it's a process that's not done overnight. It takes a little while for it to happen. This has been going on for some months at this point. >> So, there's no overall system for the
citywide like to triage areas where something like this is needed >> that it would it is there a system like that? >> There there is not a systemwide approach. However, if it is a request um that can be made, we can make that to
the BA to look um throughout the city to see if there's some issues based on traffic studies, accident reports um and all of those things. So, I can to the BA. We can um do that. We do have there's been some um areas that has been
done in transitioned or changed and converted based on requests based on council members that are in their perspective boards or at large. So that's how those changes happen based on those requests. >> May I please uh to help you a little bit
ma we just passed to uh resolution requesting through uee uh funding we identified >> a large uh around city streets and corridors that need four-way stop sign and strips to pedestrian safety as you
requested. That's a big list that we have. It was approved about two meetings ago and uh soon as we get the funding, DPW will install um reflective u um stop signs and strip corners in a city of
large. So you probably if you have a concern in any other streets that you're concerned, you could bring it forward and we we will lobby for that. What I'm asking is that the city do that. Like as residents, there are
some things that we expect that you would do for us. For instance, it seemed at one point that the road repair was restricted to
um an area based on it almost seemed like favoritism. uh it was not equal. So there are there is a streets and roads. So somebody should be going through the city and determining
where is there an issue in the city. Some people work two and three jobs. So you're asking us to tell you what streets are unsafe. I mean we do that but still we think that we're paying for something. And so we're asking is there
a system in place for the city to do that? There's a whole streets and road department. Um the potholes on can I believe that's Canian street, Governor Street. So some resident would have to say would you fix that because
it feels like my whole my my whole car is going to end up in one of these holes. There's no one else that's riding through the city that's getting paid as a city employee that could bring that to your attention. So just to answer that, council member Veles, so we can move on.
Just to answer that, there is a full assessment that has been done for potholes in that as far as asking for this because this item that that we're speaking on now is to convert streets into four-way stops with oneways. That's what this item. But what you're
requesting, we have we have done that. There is a full assessment that has been done of the streets. That's how we're determining the repaving of the streets. Our director, I think he just left. We have a full assessment of the streets. That's the list we've been working on. Um, and we've done at at least 160
streets have been repaved in the city and we have 50 more that will be done by the end of uh this year. >> Okay. >> So, that is being done, but Mr. Ba, can you just put that request cuz that's not what's on here. is not the item we're discussing, but just put that on as a
request. I do have a lack of confidence because the item have been granted this contract but that the vehicles were too large. when you know that you have city sweepers, when you know that you have fire trucks, when
you know that you have large vehicles in a city. So, what were the specifications? So, some of the stuff put something out for bid, you tell the people what you need and what you want and what you expect. You don't award a
contract if they can't meet the minimum requirements. So, Miss Hannibal, I we thank you for that, but right now we're on public hearing only for converting, not to talk about the other issues in the city. That's for public portion. >> I have a lack of >> I we I hear you. I hear you,
>> president. President, >> if we're only opening public hearing if you're coming to talk about the intersection changing of Trenton A and Florida A. If it is not pertaining to that, then you can speak on it during public. >> Mr. President, >> good. Let can council president.
>> One second. Can we just hear from the residents? >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> All right. So, I was curious, how many requests does it actually take for someone to I mean for you guys to go through that whole process of turning the two-way stop sign into a four-way
stop sign? Some of them I like, some of them I don't. So, I'm just curious if does it just take one resident for the city of Patterson? >> No. No. So when the request So when the request comes in, it's not just because someone wants it because just because you want it doesn't mean because it it's
going to happen. First they have to check to see how many accidents have taken place. They have to check um to see traffic flow, traffic um concerns, the direction of where it should go. That's that takes a little while. Then the next step is then they send out
recommendations on what it should be, whether it should be nothing, maybe they should trim a tree, whatever that looks like. Then it goes through committee. So that process could take up to five to six months cuz bringing it to the place of an ordinance like for example where I'm the second reading where we're doing
final vote tonight. This had to go through a first reading workshop first reading vote and then a second reading workshop second reading vote and then if this is approved tonight when we're voting it will not take place for 20 more days. So it takes some time. >> All right. So then my follow-up question
would be once you're getting those reports right does the input of the residents that's actually in that area get notified before you guys just solely rely on what public works say and then just vote yes. So for the most part it goes by uh the information that's
provided whether it's through residents in the area whether it's through but if there's a concern of an area or particular location that you feel that something was placed that was changed and that you feel that it should not be we can take that information. Mr. Javier is sitting um in the back in the corner.
He's a constituent services. Just give that information and then we could give it to traffic engineer to take a look at it and maybe it could be revisited. So if you feel that is an area that should not have been done or it's causing extra concerns, that's something that can be taken a look at as well. >> It definitely causes a lot more traffic.
>> Yes. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Javier. Could you just get her information? Madame Clerk, uh, >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Council President. So, um, to answer the young lady just sat down. Uh, to answer your question realistically,
yes. All it takes is one resident. It's not all it takes is one resident. If one resident has an issue, then it it can actually be looked into. And um and again, it there's there's a requirement for supportive data for accident reports
for road um uh traffic flow studies and things of that nature. But I would like to point out to to Miss Hannibal's point right in the past. So there's a master city plan and we the master plan is is often looked over by the professionals
that we have on staff which would be our city engineer and also would consist of our city traffic engineer. Our traffic engineer retired maybe three years ago or so. I don't know how long it was. We don't have a traffic engineer on staff.
In fact, I think it was two weeks ago, our city engineer bailed and pulled the rip cord because they he's in a burning plane. So, uh so we don't have a city engineer either. So, when you look at some of the some of the decisions that's
being made, right? In the past, uh our former traffic engineer, Mr. Hungchow, he would base it on multiple um uh item criteria. a road traffic uh volume uh density width of the of the of
the road uh number of number of accidents that took place and things of that nature. So yes, there was an overall scope. In many instances, what we do here at the council is more or less have the ability to over cuz again while council often
throws up their hand our hands and say, "Oh, we can't. There's nothing we can do." That's not the case. The council's the ultimate authority. We decide what gets implemented. If the the traffic engineer says, "I don't like a a four-way stop on Temple and North 7th
because there's a hill there, I don't care what you like." The number of accidents there has reduced tremendously since we put those that four-way stop there. The same thing goes for 11th Avenue and I believe it's like uh 26th or 5th or something like that,
>> council. So yes, there is an overall aspect of city planning and how we look at things, but the council looks at it from a perspective of how it impacts the residents. Do residents actually want this here because of the accident count? I get calls all the time. Residents say,
you know, my car got hit X amount of times. We need to put, you know, a stop sign there or, you know, we don't we we have a a difficulty with police response, so we need to have a traffic measure there. The last point I'll make is
as a municipality overall, we've been so irresponsible, right? So, um, you often hear us being quoted for like in excess of $300,000 and the the director left, but there's a light pole that's down now on Mr. Ba, a
light pole is down on um on uh uh Temple Street, but it it that on it's on this side of the bridge. That would be um lower main if I'm if I'm not mistaken. But there's a a a light post that's been
down on the sidewalk for a few days now. It's which is a extreme hazard. I know it belongs to public service, but at the very least, we should pick that up and we shouldn't have the the general public walking past these hazards in this
fashion. But what what I'll say is we have become so irresponsible with our with these outside contracts, we're paying well above and beyond what things are valued. So when you look at certain spaces where there should be a traffic light, we can't afford it, so we put
stop signs and four-way stops. So it's it's kind of like a band-aid being placed on the open wound. But I mean, that's that answer if that I hope that answers your question. >> Thank you. public uh public can you uh roll call to close the public hearing. Madam clerk, >> we closed the public hearing. >> Yeah, we did. No, we didn't.
>> No, we didn't. Roll call to the public hearing. >> I wanted to say something before you close. Sorry. Counciloman >> Cotton. Um I just wanted to um say about the stop signs. And you know what I find is that even with all the snow we have, people are still driving fast. Like
they're driving fast and you know, and you're afraid you're going to hit a snowbank and you're going to tear your car up. So for me, there's certain areas that I know like I had to slow the traffic down on on 11th Avenue cuz when they left Madison Avenue, they flew all
the way to 33rd Street. So I knew then I had to get the traffic engineer to slow that traffic from Madison Avenue flying all the way to 33rd hitting the hill coming down. So I had to try to figure out and that's when the traffic engineer we did have a traffic engineer. Now we
have a another consulting firm and they do their research. They get the police report, they get the accident report. Um, you have to slow the traffic down. I mean, I've been in cities where I'm at a stop sign at every corner. >> Every corner has a stop sign. And I just want to say, you know, and cars are just
flying and you have to slow them down and you you know, you don't if you don't do a stop sign, you can try to get a light there. Right now, my biggest problem that I'm having now is on Lafayette Street. They're flying from Rosen Parks Boulevard all the way down to Summer Street. Every twice a week,
somebody's car is getting tore up. So I send it over to traffic engineer. How do I slow that traffic on Lafayette Street from Rosen Parks Boulevard down to Summer Street? And in between there you got Mercer Street, but cars are flying
up and down up and down. It don't matter which way they're flying. So thank you council. >> We have to figure out Wait a second. We have to figure out how to be able to and that's where the traffic engineer is going to study and look at it. So it it doesn't just happen. But if you know certain areas needs to get slowed. Look
at 14th a look at 15th Avenue. They got stop signs like every two or three blocks >> cuz they got to slow them down. They got they're coming from Madison Avenue flying them down to 33rd Street. >> Thank you to close. Move. >> We have the motion and second. Roll call, Madam Clerk, to close public hearing.
>> Roll call to close the public hearing. Councilwoman Cotton. Councilwoman Dava, >> yes. >> Councilman Jackson, >> yes. >> Councilman Khik, >> yes. >> Council Mendes, >> yes, Madam Clerk. >> Counciloman Omar, >> yes, Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Nen, >> yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman VeZ.
>> What is this for? >> To close the public hearing. >> Okay, my vote is yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor. The public hearing is now closed. >> Roll call on item number two, Madam
Clerk. Roll call on item number two for adoption. Councilwoman Cotton, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Dava, >> yes. >> Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. So, you know, this is this is is is a a a remedy to
help, >> but it still doesn't cure the issue. And, you know, to Councilwoman Cotton's point, we just implemented a uh it's not a four-way stop. He changed the the the street on Clinton to a a oneway and now
those cars don't even bother stopping at the stop sign. They just fly right through it. So therefore, I mean, you know, it's obvious that there's a necessity for more enforcement. But these are these are necessary. They definitely help reduce um accidents and
they in many cases could save um a life. Madam clerk, my vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Clique, >> vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Mendes. Um, thank you madam clerk. I think very brief the the one of the main issues that we facing when it comes to speeding in the
city of Patterson is that the we're not enforcing the law when it comes to speeding in the city of Patterson when now we have people in residential zone driving 50 m per hour 60 and those are the same driver that when they go to Horon or or Clifton they slow down
because they know that we enforce the law there. I think that that one of the thing that we have to do, we got to really pay attention to the traffic division to start enforcing the law and those intersection, double parking and all the issues that we facing here. People blocking uh fire hydrant,
blocking sidewalk, our senior have to get into the street in order for them to cross the street. All those are issues that affecting our community that the only way that that they're going to be fixed is by enforcing the law that we have in the book when it come to speeding. We putting a lot of fourway stop sign to uh to re force people to
slow down and actually the the four-way stop sign. That's not the purpose of the four-way stop sign. But we have to use that uh to protect the residents when in reality what we have to do is enforcing the law that we have in the book and get get on top of that issue. My vote is
yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Omar. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. I'll be brief. So, to the six W residents that have reached out to me about this, this has been an ongoing issue and I think it's long overdue. Um, I said this last meeting, there was about three accidents in the month of December and uh to my
record, there was also three in January. So, I'm hoping this is a remedy. Um, I will put out a public notice to all the residents there and I'm happy that I'm hoping that this can uh improve uh traffic safety. With that being said, my vote is yes, madam cler. >> Thank you, Councilman Councilman Nuden.
>> Thank you, Madam Clar. So further note that um we do get requests from the people for the particular areas we send then traffic study takes place and I would say about two years ago we converted multiple streets
uh in first word especially to from two uh from two-way to one way however on the street signage and riding on the street still there which is very confusing. So I would like to make sure that if there are fourway stops and as we are having two four-way stops and we
make sure that the signage is posted properly the lines are there on the street and same thing in multiple street I would say in first word was converted from two-way to one way but the lines on the street is still there I requested uh
previously I I I still um can confirm that the signs are still there which is very confusing looks like still two-way. So, I want to make sure that that that things are getting um in consideration from Caron Street to all other street
from Temple uh so many other streets that were converted but signage not properly posted yet. So, this is important as well. Uh thank you, Mikeas. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Vez, >> I just want to set the record clear. since Honcha retired as a traffic
engineer in our city. What was his name? >> We have the superintendent of traffic, Mr. Robin Satud working in conjunction with Jay McRough and also with Mr. service stain from the county to do all the traffic uh study that had been
testing one two okay that they have been requesting to do the traffic study for any stop signs or whatever it was mentioned before uh this was for the residents of the six war no this is for the visitors the residents and all
drivers around the city that goes and see a stop sign stop is not to reduce traffic is to stop. And I know this is going to make it easy to the to the insurance carrier. Everybody's going to be 5050 fault if they run a stop sign.
And the other thing I want to keep clear here, our police department enforce the law. And if you want a data, how many tickets they give of speeding, running traffic light, running um um stop sign,
just ask for that data. Don't don't let's not try to say that our police department is not forcing the rules. It's a wrong message sending uh to those people thinking that they could do whatever they want here in the city of Patterson. Our police department is working. They're working day and night.
And that's why we equip those vehicles with plate readers and other equipment for they make sure the quality of life of Patterson is there. So saying that, my vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilman, Council President. >> My vote is yes, madam cler. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor,
none against. Item number two is hereby adopted. >> Madam clerk, we're doing our first reading items. Items number three, >> Councilman Jackson. So, so, okay, I understand that we're going into first freedom reading items and uh I'm definitely looking forward because I
have an item that's there, but um I I I cannot let this moment go by. First of all, I don't think any council member talked about not having uh faith in the PD and whatever. And this guy as he's leaving out when he's driving drunk and
hitting people at at stop light stop uh running stop signs without being ticketed. And so I I definitely think that uh that there's need a need for concern when it comes to how people are
abiding by the the traffic stops. It was clear he ran the red light. It was clear he was under he was intoxicated. He was never tested. He should have been tested. He should have volunteered to be tested because the young lady accused him of being intoxicated and it was
clear he ran the red light. So, also I I I I cannot help but to uh notice he also mentioned about whether or not Councilman should request for reports. We all know I've been requesting reports
for for years now. Council President, it is a requirement through the chair, Mr. Ben David. The BA is definitely required to be uh uh voted on by this council to be confirmed within 60 days. I know we're about halfway there. Mr. Ba, I
made multiple requests. The last email I got from you was the Tuesday of the meeting. That was the first email with regard to some of my requests. You did, and I do appreciate you did supply me with those requests for road resurfacing. I asked you for a list of all the cars that was told during the
snow. um snowstorm. I I noticed couldn't help but notice I don't have any emails from you whatsoever. You sit there rather quiet through the night, but we're paying you to work and and I do expect for this to be some kind of performance for you being paid. Um what
county roads were done by the city and what are we doing to be reimbursed for that? I'm not sure, Madam Clerk, was his office provided with these list of questions because he's looking pretty dumbfounded as if these questions are being heard for the first time. Um the report on water repair, we had another
water mane break on River Street the other day where the entire area was flooded and then iced out. >> Um their budget from the water uh commission and a list of all the contractors that we utilize during
during snow removal. these, you know, this is important information and I'm just emphasizing that because as a councilman so rudely inter interjected that if we want information, we should just request it. I've been requesting
information over and over again, I'm going continue to request this information. I want to know about the list of cars that was towed during the snowstorm and what are we doing with regard to that? How many torque claims? I do know that I've uh there was been a tort claim that's been presented to the
corporation council's office with regard to a blocked driveway after this council approved legislation to allow homeowners to block their driveway and this this this individual is still waiting. So, Mr. Ba, I would expect or appreciate an
answer on some of these an some of these concerns. I do think that some of these concerns are concerns of the public, but at the very least, as a duly elected member of this body, I am entitled to anything that I request and I'm hoping to get that information. I don't know. Hopefully, I can get it before uh
confirmation. >> Council President, >> thank you very much, Councilman Jackson. Councilman Mendes. >> Thank you, Council Price. And just to I mean reiterate the traffic all the way pass by 11th Avenue. People speeding on residential area. Yes, I understand. I never said that the police not working. We got to
work hard to correct the problem. You have people in our own neighborhood that they don't feel safe because car are flying through the neighborhood and that's the reason why got so many accident in those intersection. We see it. is there uh and I'm not going to
stop you know pushing the button because I mean that's one of the issues that affecting our community our residents in in our residential zone and corporation council my legislation is going to be Mr. be a my legislation uh for the returning of the funding for those people that the car was towing during
the storm. It will be next week. Council President, I hope to have that discussion in the next workshop. We cannot take take advantage of our resident, the most vulnerable people that live in the city of Patterson because of the storm. Thank you, >> Council President. >> Councilman Blesz, then Madam Clerk, we're going to item number three,
please. >> Council President. >> Yes, Councilman. I don't know why my colleagues get offended when I try to say something that is happening and I just say that Patterson police is doing his work and they just get out of
shape. They get so out of shape to mention an accident that I had that everybody knows that I had an accident. It's an accident. But I cannot believe how this councilman from my right from
the first war could point at me but he had four fingers pointing at him and he don't talk about his 31 license suspended that almost a week ago a month ago he got stopped in in edge water driving without suspended
while suspended his car has more problem and he keep on pointing at me because he think he's going to take me out of control. No, we are here to do city business. And if you notice, he does this only for his videos and and his um
uh YouTube channel, whatever he does. But the police doing his job. What I'm saying is let's continue doing the job and let's move on and move forward. >> Thank you, madam madam clerk. Item number three. >> Item number three is a first reading
ordinance. No public hearing is required. It's an ordinance amending and abridging the Patterson Code removing the city from the Garden State Growth Zone addressing the exemption of improvements to real property from taxation. Sponsored by Councilman
Michael Jackson, City Council. >> Moved by Councilman Jackson. Is there a second? >> Second. Discussion. >> Discussion. >> Second by Councilman Uden. discussion. Councilman Odin, then Councilman Mendes. Councilman.
>> All right. Thank you, Council President. So um I'm not sure who's going to explain a little bit but I understand that um I mean I was actually researching on this item particularly and especially
about the um garden street growth zone addressing exception from improvement of real property which if I'm not wrong which which was actually originally to attracts
more developers to come to the city of Patterson. However, it was given more benefit to the developers getting long-term aaitments pilot and if we removed optin, I believe we can have more control on it. So, if you
Mr. be a would state it what's the benefit of opting in or amending what would happen is it going to impact the current abatements and pilots that's in
existence uh if you can give some synopsis on it can >> so uh mi mr ba and also um in responding please um reference the assembly bill that is connected to this item for Councilman Wooden so he can do some research while you're speaking. He can
pull up the bill to see what's connected to it. Uh Mr. Ba >> Council President to to um to the comment you just made um the Garden State growth zone was created by the legislature um and then extended by the legislature and Patterson's included in that
legislation. Um this is not the administration's legislation. it came up through the the council member process. Um, so I'm not in a position to uh to tell you what the the legal effect or the actual effect of this legislation would be. Any kind of comment of that
would be just speculation on my part. >> Councilman Mendes, >> thank you council president. >> No, council president, I have done since it's a come come to our legal question. Um if I go to corporation council, corporation council. So
do we have option to opt in or >> opt out? >> Opio optin is a correct phrase to use it because we can have say whether we want it or not. So what's a legal advice would you give?
>> Corporation. Corporation council. >> Yes. Thank you council president. Thank you. Thank you councilman for that inquiry. So the statute um has a process to opt in and the state statute uh very clearly defines the parameters of the
cities that might be eligible for this program and a way to opt in. The statute however doesn't have an explicit way to opt out or says you can opt out. So the statute is silent on that part. >> Thank you for the clarification. I'm done. Council
>> Councilman Mendes, >> thank you. This is a very sensitive um Thank you. Um, this has been a very this is a very sensitive topic especially now that people are receiving those assessment property going from 300 to
$800,000 in assessment. I've been getting calls people losing their mind because there's a property on a 14th Avenue tax went up $18,320. that person reached out to me and told me, "Listen, I don't know what I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm not going
to be able to sell this property with this taxes. So, so and I don't have the money to pay. So, there's the city going to put a lean on my property now and I'm going to end up into losing my property. We have people on fixed living on fixed income that they can't even afford it to pay the taxes that that that we sending
them. It's just horrible. It's bad. We're pushing people every day out of the city. people, they just they have no other choice to move out of town, PA, any other town to be able to survive. And if you think about it, just look at the uh the food pantry. Look at the line here in Patterson. All those people,
they have jobs. They have jobs, but they spending most of their money in rent and taxing, paying taxes, and it's horrible what happened in the city of Patterson. That's our current situation right now. But uh I have two question about this uh corporation council. I mean, why it's
not signing? I know I know this hasn't been signed by legal. Um, you know, and and everybody that knows me know that every legislation that I'm going to put my name on have to be reviewed and signed by legal. As a legislator, you need to know your role and your duty. So, I got to make sure that I cannot put
the city in jeopardy. I got to protect the city. And the way that I protect the city is by making sure the legal review any document. But I have the my concern is even bigger than this. I receive an information that the city is not even charging the amount of money that they
supposed to charge to those people that has abatement. Let me explain to the city the community. This is an example of an abatement. So after or after all you re after all the expenses that are covered once you
hit 12% in income the rest of the money you have to pass it to the city whether it's from year 1 to year 30. So when you hit 12% the rest of the money have to go to the city. So who monitor that? Uh Mr. CFO who's in charge of that because by
law also the estimated vacancy for any abatement it's 5%. It cannot be 20% vacancy cannot be 30. It's got to be only 5%. And if the person and based on the rent that we have in the city of Patterson there's a lot of profit. So after they hit the 12% if they if
they're earning 50% in total in benefit 12% have to be for them and the rest for the city. So I would like to hear from our our our CFO uh what is the respondent that if you have if you have any number how much money are we getting from all the abatement that we have in the city of
Patterson? I would love to see those number because as I mentioned before every every dollar count and and more than that this legislation I mean this is the discussion that I would like to have and I would like to see how much revenue we're getting from those abatement
>> I can have a report done for you councilman I don't have that information here though >> but can you have like any example how much money are we getting because this is something very serious in order for you to in order for you Mr. CFO in order for you to get this number add to get this number correctly you have to have a
person inspecting those building making sure that everybody looking at their book we supposed to receive they finance statement okay let me see your statement let me see your income and let me show you your expensive okay 17% you get 12% and you give the rest to the city so and
I never hear about any person getting into any building so this is concerning to me because if this is true been leaving millions of dollars on the table and we killing our taxpayer with this new assessment and the and the increases
on taxes. So this is serious. >> So before the end of before the before the end of the meeting if you could give me at least three example three abatement I would like to see the the vacancy that we have what is the percent the estimated vacancy that we have on those abatement and I would like to see
how much revenue are we getting for those abatement. You could give me 20 20 20 21 any number. But we need to see that because that's got to be the conversation, Mr. CFO. That have to be. >> Thank you, Council. Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Council President. So, what
I'm hearing from my council colleague is that uh he is not willing to support any item that the city attorney, who by the way is not a resident of the city, who is hired by the mayor, who obviously can pick and choose. He's picking and
choosing tonight which portion of the law to um to depict to to the public. But um more importantly, Council Councilman Mendes, if you can supply us with that law that you're referencing, we can members of the public to look it
up. Now, if you're making a claim as as you can see within the legislation that I wrote, it includes the state statute that these that that's relevant to these items. So, if you could supply us with that information, that would be extremely helpful. Uh, additionally,
corporation council alleges or makes the assertion that um the state legislation enables or points out he doesn't say he doesn't he language is very important. He doesn't say that it it enables us to or doesn't allow us to, but he says that
the legislation he says that the the legis you should have the conversation in public. Let the public know what you're talking about. It it's he says that the legislation allows for an optin but doesn't allow for an opt out. Who lets you in and doesn't let you out? What what how does
that happen? In fact, in fact, one of the municipalities that was that was labeled here opted out and that was Pake. Pake decided that this was irresponsible and they did not want to continue to partake in this portion of
the state New Jersey Garden State growth zone process. So, they opted out. Additionally, this is the more important piece and this is the piece that I need the members of the public to to uh understand because you know I don't have any confidence in my council colleagues.
I don't think that they're going to be responsible and vote on behalf of the public. They're going to utilize any possible excuses, but they don't have a very good support staff. Their support staff is not going to be able to provide them with enough information.
For example, how are you the BA, the signing authority of the of the of the uh of the city, and you don't have any opinion? You don't have any educated perspective or opinion to give on a piece of legislation that's going to force hundreds
of facilities back into full taxation. You don't have any opinion on millions and millions of dollars that we're missing out on because we've allowed, you know, these abatements to run wild. It shows you he doesn't have any opinion
because there's no uh interest in having an opinion in such an item. But further right here is what's required and if um
I I apologize because I should have had our original ordinance for this item. Our original ordinance was enacted in 2013. In fact, I don't think uh Councilwoman Cotton came on at 12, right? So, Councilwoman Cotton is the
only one here who who uh had an opportunity to vote in this item. I'm not sure how she voted. Um but I mean, even if she did vote in support of it during that time, I I can see that there there possibly could have
been a concept of of a necessity. But since then from 13 to 20 2023 10 years later this item expired in 23. Now the state did to to the BA's point
the state did renew but our legislation reads it expires in 2023. Our legislation in our city reads that if you do not have a certificate of
occupancy by 2023, then you are ineligible for this tax abatement to continue. That's it. That's what our legislation reads. There is no such thing as the
state continued it, so we just automatically continue it. No, the body has to revisit it. because councilwoman Cotton was the only one here present during that time and in 23 the entire council changed. Therefore, it is a
requirement for the city council to revisit it once our item expired if the state gave us the gave us the privilege to renew right to corporation council's point. So, it didn't include language to say you can opt out. Well, also their
legislation, the state that the state approved did not include language that said the city was not required to enact upon this item again. So to the example, the city of Camden, they are very
responsible. And in in uh 2023, guess what? The city of Camden enacted they voted upon the extension of their continued participation in this item. Has the city
of Patterson done so? No. Council Corporation Council, I requested for you to give a legal opinion on that before, but obviously um I I mean I don't have it, so I don't know what to think. But here we are. Pursuant to the authorization contained
in NJSA 5227D489S, the assessor shall be authorized to grant exemption for improvements to real property in the city that are made after the effective date of this article. The owner of eligible property must obtain a final certificate of occupancy on or
before September 8th, 2028. This is the city of Camden. I ask any of you council members, those of you who are avoiding voting on this item, who want to dodge this item, where is our legislation that mirrors this
legislation? Where is our legislation that continues to opt us in? I'm going to tell the residents because these council members don't want to be responsible. Every single item that was approved after the date of 2023 is no long is
null and void. It is ineffective if the council does not have supportive legislation that continued this program. Any abatement that was that was authorized after the expiration date is null and void.
>> And that is a fact. I would, you know, I know that Councilman Mendes is going to need the approval of the corporation council in order for him to vote yes on this item. So, I'm asking you at home,
whose interest does he have at at heart? Does he have your interest? Yeah, he's outlining the fact that your your your assessment went up three or four times, but yet he's not going to support you in a measure like this that's going to continue to gra generate more revenue
for the city. He's going to lean on corporation council who doesn't live here, who doesn't have a horse in this in this game outside of yo, yes, they're being paid one of the highest two of the highest paid individuals in the city. the BA.
>> What's not true? I said one of >> I said one of the highest paid I said one of the highest paid individuals meaning there's a list meaning that >> you should be if you
>> you should be you should be >> yes >> that's right >> out of what out of what out of out of how many employees? >> Out of how many employees? >> 13. Out of how many employees? >> Out of you interrupting me. You
interrupted me. >> How am I misleading? >> Out of how many employees? >> Out of how many employees? >> Out of how many employees? >> I'm asking you
of thousands of gentlemen. Gentlemen, >> point of order, council president. First of all, first of all, you should have called a point of order when he rudely interrupted me protocol and he spoke out of context. >> If this list of if the if the list is
thousands, >> council president, >> one sec. >> Yes. Go ahead. What's the point of order? >> Okay. The point of order is this is a very very sensitive topic. So I understand that. >> That's not a point of No, let me finish. That's not a point of order. Let me finish. Let me finish. One second. Let
me finish. One second. Council Mendes. >> Let me finish. The point of order will be to say what the violation has been, not for you to speak and give additional um >> He has no clue what the violation is. He doesn't know. He doesn't know the the order of decorum. He doesn't have a
clue, >> council president. >> So So what was the violation? >> Let's entertain his point of order. Okay, that's fine. Let's entertain his point of order. >> Just control the meeting. >> He he pul he pulled it. So Councilman um Jackson, are you ready for >> No, I'm not I'm not done. I'm I'm not
done. Well, yeah, we I guess we're going to move the vote. But the point I'm making is if the councilman was so annoyed by the point of order, he did not have an issue with corporation council breaking the quorum and and defending his position. If
there's thousands of employees and you're at the top echelon, those are two of the higher paid employees. And when the average employee in the city of Patterson makes between 35 and $45,000 and you have two non-residents that make
$150,000 a piece, that is, in my opinion, the higher paid of the echelon. Yes, there's some fire chief. The fire chief makes 250 plus thousand and there's some a few handful of employees, but this is the highest paid. The BA
hasn't really spoken a word all night. He's one of the highest paid employees in the city and they're they're batting against a piece of legislation that's put in place to save the taxpayers dollars to bring order back into the
city to force developers who are making a great deal of money to have to pay their fair share. Now, what I would like council uh council president prior to us going to a vote, allow corporation council instead of trying to be sens instead of being sensitive and trying to
defend his pay uh uh grade, allow him to answer the question with regard to us not extending our legislation in 28, I'm sorry, in 23. There was a requirement
by law for this council to vote and extend it. It's it's not automatically assumed. There's nothing that happens relative to the council by way of legislation that's assumed. >> So, Councilman Jackson,
>> based on the bill, there is a bill under a >> absolutely >> 5683 through the state. We know local cannot override the state due to COVID. It was extended until 2027. That law is, if you pull it up, you'll
see it. There's an extension till 2027. So, we cannot do anything unless we bring it and we want to vote here. That's what you're choosing to do. >> But there is an extension that was done on the state level up until 2027. The bill was approved.
For for a point of order, uh, council president, the state extended the allowance and all municipalities that participated except for Patterson voted to extend their prospective pieces
of legislation as well. >> So I So at this point, Councilman, uh, we are here. It's on the agenda. You made a motion. Councilman Wooden second it. No, I asked for corporation council to give a legal opinion on why this
council did not vote on extending the the the piece of legislation because if there if I which I know it is in fact it's a requirement then this this piece of legislation becomes null and void.
It's not required because there's another there's an there was a an a requirement for the city to extend our legislation. >> Oh, you're going to render the legal opinion now. We're not going to >> No, corporation council. Please do me do
me justice here. >> Thank you, council president. Are you so as you so eloquently stated, >> um the state statute extended it didn't require an additional optin I don't know what Councilman Jackson's
talking about. Other cities opting out, opting in. I did a quick search. I don't see PAC opting out. >> Of course not. >> Um, so as you stated, it is based off state statute. It's been
superseded. There's no need to opt in. Um, I question the veracity of why this has been such an issue if we didn't have to opt in from the beginning. And now this piece of legislation has been buil for you by Councilman Jackson. And I will just say for the record, we drafted
this on Councilman Jackson's behalf. His one and a half page draft is behind our four-page draft. And we actually included the law and citations to the law in our draft. And so I think council president, your perspective is coming
from discussions on this issue that were had two years ago. and council were privy to those discussions. This very issue was brought up. The tax assessor was involved. I think councilwoman Cotton, you were also apprised of that as was the entirety of the council.
Correct. So this whole issue as to whether opt-in and opt out is a manufactured issue that the council had to opt in. This was already addressed previously through the state statute through with the tax assessor and with continued guidance. So if if there's a
credible request for legal guidance, I'm happy to provide that. But if it's just semantics and um trying to uh manufacture an issue, there's nothing more that I can address on that issue. >> Council Mendes,
>> thank expiring 2023 in the city of Patterson for us. So, uh, what will be the penalty for us to move forward with this legislation? And I understand that you wrote the piece of legislation that and that was basically my question. I I
don't I think respectfully I don't I would never vote on anything that one of my council Khali bring it to the table because they not lawyer. If they will be a lawyer respectfully, I will agree. But you are the one if you wrote it and that's one of the reason why I'm entertaining because I'm on I'm on the sides of the community. Um, I I own
property in the city of Patterson. I get this phone call every single day. People are struggling in Patterson. You just got to go out there and see what's what's going on with this city. People finding having uh um leans on their property left and right because they they they
can't they can't make it up. They can't make it. So, so, so there's no penalty to opt out because we finished in 2023. So, can we can you explain that the the ending of the legislation 2023? He just councilman Mendes. >> No, no, just counselor.
Council, you will >> corporation council. That's that was my question to you. Can you read it again? Council president, respectfully, I'm asking. >> You are not letting me speak. >> No, but I'm asking question to corporation president. >> I have to give him the floor. Let me speak. When you are the president, you never No, I understand. No, I
>> I was going to ask him to respond. You didn't even let me speak. >> I understand, Council President. I'm not disrespecting you and I'm entertaining this topic because this is serious for the resident of the city of Pass. >> I mean, we understand that council for the fifth time. Could you give from the response that you just gave, please?
>> So, the when the city council opted in in 2013 that was pursuant to the state statute that issued the program. >> Correct. >> Okay. after COVID with the delays and other issues that we're attending, the state
extended that statute that the city had already opted into and by extension extended the date by which people are able to obtain their certificates of occupancy to qualify for the program and that's that's the current state of
affairs. So, in terms of a penalty, the statute doesn't say anything about a penalty um for opting in or opting out. This statute was designed for a very discreet amount of cities, Patterson included. So given that the state
statute uh extended the date, it's the state statute that controls when the program ends, which is um I believe um in another two years or so. And that's just that's the deadline by which people have to obtain the certificates of
occupancy to qualify for the program. after that date there'll be this program will sunset on its own >> and also one second and also corporation council >> let's be clear I let's be clear 2013
>> this the council opted to give it to the state to make the decision in 2013 not I'm not saying council members here because most of us were not here but that was an item that was passed by council members ers to give it to the
state to develop this program. And like it was stated previously, possibly because of whatever um benefits that they felt um and things that are occurring, which helped to reduce the over 2,000 properties that were vacant and abandoned where we have now a 92%
reduction on that. So, uh Councilman um Mendes and then Council. So cooperation council what you're saying what you're saying is that we have to wait until 2028 and after 2028 the program will be will end >> automatically >> automatically. So that's the choice. All
right. Um um I think that and and this is my last comment and I and this is what I'm going to say. I think that I mean we really have to just continue having this dialogue right now. I will put a motion to table this item to continue the discussion. That's right. >> This item doesn't need to be tabled.
This item is has a >> well one second council reject. There's a motion on the floor to table. Is there a second? >> Is there a second to table? Is there a second to table? The table fails.
>> Council president >> discussion. Council member Lez, >> I I don't I don't understand and that's this is what what what what troubled me a little bit and I don't I don't have no nothing against Councilman Mand his statement. He just stated it's
important for him because people are struggling. People cannot pay rent. People cannot do this and do that. Council Mendes had the right to say how he feel with this with this order. And the other side uh we have an ordinance
that they want to opt some colleagues want to opt out. The rules are set from the state. You cannot opt out. You cannot remove the abatement or the
pilot that already was given. So this is a so feel good to make sure that people say, "Oh, we fighting for you." But it's not. It's not. So if we and and people talk about
baitment, I like to talk about pilots different things. When we talk about the 90 years of pilots or whatever, this was not even existing. Okay? We was not even here. >> 30 years ago, we wasn't here.
The only thing that we approve here is if they bring a 30-year abatement or pilot, if they come to us. This council in the past when Flavia was president
did not through committee allowed to finance to bring pilot to renew after 30 years. So we are doing our job. This law that the state had created is
up to 20 year pilot or or pilot. Yes, pilot that at the end of 20 years they had to be full tax paying to the city for the property. Now
we don't give it. This council here do not sit down and approve those application. The law says that they have to go through the process through the tax assessor's office. They have to put an application >> and they have to fulfill all the
documents for be able to the state granted five years, 10 years, 15 years up to 20. >> If you want to remove this out of the giggo like other people saying that they fighting for people, I could go right
now in the fifth war. How many houses have been burned down to the ground? How many houses abandoned have been abandoned for many years? And those houses not only developer
purchased them through the to the county, single individuals, family that got money to buy an abandoned property and remodeled that property. Okay. They got fair enough to go to a tax assessor,
apply for a tax abatement for five years, 10 years all depend the the revenues or not the revenue, the investment that you have done for that property. Now, if you go 20 years ago,
10 years ago, from 2016, how many abandoned property we have in the city of Patterson and you see it now in the fourth ward, in the first ward, in the fifth ward, and those small
houses that have burned down to to to the ground, and they have build back and they have a tax break to recover. cover what they have lost. That's only the properties I'm talking about. So now let's talk about job creation.
>> Yes. >> How many job creation have been in Patterson? I have one developer. Well, we have because he's not my developer. We have a developer that 70%
of the employees are from Patterson. You like it or not? And it's the se and the 70 70% are employed from Pison >> 80% yes >> 80% >> public
>> 80% or more buy the product from Patterson >> to the public please >> and they have people of color too they have people of color too matter of fact council president appoint order please >> can we have decorum please audience
So if we're going to talk about who's benefiting, we all benefiting in the city of Patterson. We not we seeing less property. We seeing less property abandoned more residences coming using the the
grocery stores, the laundry mats, even the caps, the this, you know, it's go back if it's a dominant effect. >> Well said. Now, one thing I got to say, let's remove let's remove the growth.
You think the rent is not going to go higher than more than it is? >> Mhm. >> So, so, so if you want more proof, those same individual that say that development is hurting Patterson. So, why you knocking their doors every time
when you need something for your community? Come on. We can't play both sides. >> Let's Let's not Let's We cannot play both sides. And thanks God. Thanks God. Council President, those individual had eyes to look into Patterson and that
invest. Why Newark is not complaining? Why Jersey City is not complaining? Why Helden is not complaining? Why? Because they invest in their city. Go to Garfield. Go to Garfield. Go to the Riverwalk. You will see how the development is there. Why they not
complaining? Why? >> Because they see growth. They see jobs. They see residents that come and love the city. So saying that, I don't know why we discussing. >> Madam clerk, roll call. >> Council president. >> Roll call. Madam clerk. Council >> president. Council president. Council
president. I ask for the floor. >> Councilman Cotton. Council >> oppos question. Is there a second? We're ready to vote. Thank you. Is there a second? I'm opposed the question. Ready to vote. Is there a second? Ready to vote? >> No, I said I want to make a a comment.
Councilwoman Cotton. >> Thank Thank you, Madam Clerk. I just want to um since they mentioned my name quite a few times, >> I don't know if anybody remember when 2012 when we had Hurricane Sandy. >> Yes. >> I don't know if anybody remember
starting in 2009, 11, 12, 13, we had the mortgage crisis. >> Yep. Um there were blocks not just in the fourth ward, the first ward, the fifth ward abandoned blocks after blocks after
blocks. So they came up with the 20 2013 um the growth zone. Now the thing is now they're talking about but not only you know what they're talking about developers
they're talking about buildings but just being in the growth zone gives us benefits it gives us benefits it gives us grants that we can get from the federal government it gives us tax credits that we can get from the state of New Jersey when they say you're in
the growth zone like they said not all cities are in there. So, and I understand what Councilman Uden said that, you know, let's talk more about it. Once we come out, what are we going to lose? Not only
not only the polish, but what else are we going to lose? We're going to lose some other stuff and all that need to be included. We because we're going to lose a lot of stuff. We talk about the we it's not just about developers. It's about the other benefits that we get
from being in this growth zone. >> Yes. >> That has helped our city. Because I remember how long it took when we had hurricane Sandy and especially that first W was devastated with Hurricane Sandy. Then we were
devastated with the mortgage crisis. I hope that we don't have another one coming up, but you know, blocks and blocks of abandoned houses. So, it's not just about that. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Oden. >> Thank you, Council President. And again, let me let me clarify my intention,
folks. Um, the purpose is not to fight on the topic for the sake of argument, sake of fight. The reason I wanted to know the details, no in depth because a city cannot a community cannot move
forward without developers. But again, we cannot hurt the regular residents. This is where I'm standing when I'm talking about abatements. I do not support any abatement so far. Whatever came to this council even
recently when it came governor to 20th I we voted voted it down and I'm talking about myself like I I voted against it. The reason I wanted to know it's not because all the developers are hurting
us with the rest getting hurt. No. What my point was that Ken Ouie the all the new develop developments coming and as corporation council can recall even when I was elected in 2022 and I was I sat down with him I said corporation council
can we have an ordinance resolution something that says those are getting those are developing in redevelopment areas they have to invest to our school system to our parking uh you know uh public parks so that at least they could
be supportive to our community members. This is this is the real intention that we want to make sure that our all the developers in general are supportive to our community members. Now the the way started fighting is looks like is developers versus the regular residents. This is not how it
functions. I definitely against any new abatement. I don't want to see that we are giving away another 30 years 40 years when people are hurting. I understand if you if you recall about or talk about the
abatement properties that is utilized using or using this incentives which very true that works as an incentives should bring more developers to the city but again we have to stop some point that I also agreed with that if we get
rid of everything if we do not have many abandoned properties I think we have to we have to set a boundary we need in-depth discussion on it, not to fight for the sake of fight. I understand councilman Mendes put an
ordinance uh motion to table it and we are just entertaining for the sake of entertainment. Community just know this. I don't want to see any more evatements or pilots but we are more considerate about the community members cuz we are when a property getting evatement the
regular property owners taking their burden especially when you are paying taxes to the school system and county. With that being said, I would say we need in-depth discussion, not fight for the sake of fight. I would rather remove my second and let's table it back. Let's have details discussion.
>> So, I am I'm removing my second on it. >> So, it fails. >> If you once you remove your second, the item fails. So, Councilman Uden, you're removing your second. >> Yes. Let's let's have discussion on it in details before we move forward. >> Is there another second? Is there >> no more discussion? Yes.
>> There is no second. Council President Council President asking for the full counciloman Dava. >> Uh so council president um if Councilman Udin is removing his second we've had a full discussion so we were able to do that but now that he has removed it. There's no more discussion. No more
discussion item means that the motion fails. >> Madame clerk, could you call it? The item has failed. We'll move on to item number four. >> We should do that in the beginning. >> Right. >> Item number three. Um, >> item number three >> failed. We're going to item four, madam
clerk. >> Okay, >> council president. >> But you have to call it, madam. >> Yes. >> You have to call it, madam clerk. >> To say something. >> You have to call it. There's no >> I know. I thought he was going to say something. >> You have to call it because it failed. >> Okay. All right. Item number first
reading ordinance. Item number three fails. >> Yes. For lack of motion. >> For lack of second. Uh, council president motion. Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you. So, ladies and gentlemen, what you witness here tonight is people who uh claim to work on your behalf and
do the exact opposite. Let's talk about some facts. Councilman Udin talked about how he's never supported a pilot, which uh one of your council colleagues believes that that's not correct. But by way of not supporting this, you support
every single pilot that automatically comes on the books. If you're not willing to support a piece of legislation that is going to prevent people from getting an automatic pilot, this is not something that's endowed upon us by the state. It's not forced
enforced upon us. We have an option to opt in or to opt out. Contrary to what corporation council outlined, the city of Pake opted out of this portion. to Councilwoman Cotton's uh point. They
participate in the Garden State Grove Zone with everything except allowing for these long-term pilot abatements. That's the city of Pake. Call his mayor. He takes phone calls. Even when you don't dis don't agree with him, he'll take
your phone call. Guarantee you don't have to be a resident of Pake. I I'm willing to bet on that. He will take your call while this mayor will duck your call. To Councilman Mendes's point, he says he's not willing to vote on anything that the corporation council
doesn't sign off. I don't think he understands his role. He's a legislator. Legislators don't wait for the administration to write and draft and sign legislation. You vote on it responsibly when it comes to the your
public's best interest. And what you've seen tonight, ladies and gentlemen, as your uh Mr. a as your uh uh your your assessments have tripled and quadrupled, you've sat
you sat here and listened to council members make nothing but excuses on how not to protect your best interest. So elections matter and I'm happy that this happened around this time. Pay attention to that during the time of
this election. I'm telling all of you at home, pay attention. Mr. Vargo, I know you have an issue with your uh your your your your tax assessment here. It is where all of these large scale buildings get automatic tax abatements because
this council is choosing not to vote on this item. And if it is illegal, why didn't corporation counsel point that out definitively that we are incapable of supporting items such as this because
it's illegal for us to do? He could not because it is not. >> Thank you. I don't >> has shown it. Pake has shown it. Camden has shown it. And Camden has shown it responsibly. And I'm glad he did what he did tonight. And I'm glad they did what they did tonight because it's going to
serve well when I file the eth ethics charges against them their their actions against the this the residents of the city of Patterson. I appreciate the time. Council. >> Thank you. Item number four. Madam clerk. Item number four. >> Council President, please I'll be brief. One second. I will be brief. Council members,
>> trust me, I will be brief. Council president, a Patterson residence, and it will take me only a minutes, >> but what council may Jackson saying, he's a li that's a lie. >> He like to mislead people. He like to throw jab at people. That's the reason why you're not effective. That's the
reason why you're not Patterson resident. This is the draft that Councilman Jackson put. It doesn't even have an end. And I'm still entertaining this matter. I still because I know that our homeowner they they don't get a tax abatement. >> Our people struggling, they don't get a
tax abatement. But I got to get into the facts. Corporation council. I'm speaking I'm speaking. Cooperation council took me. >> Corporation council took and did a job. >> Now we have a very extensive discussion. We know it end in 2028. You like to
mislead the people. All all you do is playing politics. And now members of the public, we all hear what happened. it end in 2028 and I put I put the motion to table it because I do believe that this is a very legitimate issue that we need to address to protect our
homeowner. Now that now my topic about the city not collecting the money that they need to collect that's a bigger problem because all those tax abayment they have to uh uh present they have to uh pay to the city after they pass the
12%. I need to know where that money is going. This the a real issue that we facing that is in front of us. But listen, don't hold me because I say because I'm voting no. I voted to table it because it doesn't make sense. >> Right. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Item number four, Madam Clerk. >> Item number four, first reading, no public hearing required. Ordinance prohibiting vehicles from making left turns from Ward Street onto Hamilton Street. >> Public works.
>> Motion. This is the first meeting. >> Uh, a motion in the second. >> Yes. Second. >> Motion. Uh, Councilman Veles. Second. Councilman Uden. Discussion. I have one second. >> So, >> I would like to table this item.
>> Yes, please. >> I do not understand and I stated this. Why would we in the midst of all the congestion that is by the board of social services downtown Patterson? Why
in the world would we make this no left turn from Ward Street onto Hamilton? >> I don't know to the BA. >> If I may BA, I would like a request to BA >> because there's no traffic study attached.
>> I have the BA. I have the one. Um, Mr. BA I would like a traffic study >> because unfortunately this would be a travesty >> that street leads down right when you're making a left you know where I'm talking on ward by the center city mall you have
the courts there you have the board of social services you have all of this there if you shut that street down when you can't turn into there it would be a travesty because the Hamilton Street is a oneway so I'm not sure how this came forward main street is already congested
>> explain to you so I have a motion on the floor to table. Is there a second? >> Second. >> There's a second. There's a motion on the floor to table. One second. Councilman Cot Council Cotton. There's a motion on the floor to table this item by Council President Mims. It needs to
go back to committee. Second uh by Councilman. And I w want a definite >> uh I want to see the traffic study and I want to see the recommendations and who brought this forward. >> Um Council Cotton for discussion. Doesn't make sense. The reason why this
came up, >> we we cannot discuss. >> The left hand turn is already there. >> They never It's already there. >> It's been there since Center City Mall >> and nobody just never paid attention to it. It's been there. So, what they was trying to do is correct
for something that they didn't do 15 years ago or 10 years ago, whatever it is. I'm not sure. But the left sign is there, >> right? Do not. And if the left sign is in front of City City Mall in the entrance because when you go down to Main Street, there's already a left.
You're making a left on from War Street to to for street, you're making a left onto Main Street. The sign has already been there since Center City Mall was built. They just never >> put the paperwork in place. >> So now, if you want a table, that's fine. But you still
>> I think I think what happened was some people might have got a ticket for making a left and they realized >> that it wasn't no ordinance put in place >> to make the left. >> Oh, that was that was that was >> I mean I can you know what just go look
and see for yourself. It's been there. It's been there. It's not new. We did not invent no wheel. We ain't start this. We ain't did this. It's been there since they built citiz. So you want to take it off? Fine. But it's been there and I think what's happened is some people were getting tickets for making
that left and that's how it came up. >> Thank you madam clerk. Roll call to table this item. >> Roll call to table. Madam clerk. >> Roll call to table item number four on first reading. Councilwoman Cotton. Counciloman
>> Cotton. Council >> Cotton take. It's been years >> and I want everybody to go take a look. >> So what's going to happen if they get taken out? Uh, her vote is yes, madam clerk. >> Go ahead. We done. >> We're in the middle of roll call. Her vote is yes. >> We're done. We're done.
>> Your vote is yes, Councilwoman. >> Yes, C. You can table it. That's fine. >> Council Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. So, f first of all, C uh Councilwoman Cotton. >> So, you're saying that there's a left hand at Main Street, but if people >> I I don't I don't I I've already gotten
your your your thoughts on it. You're saying that there was a no left sign there, but there's already a left on Maine. People going >> uh westbound on Ward. They would have to figure out a whole another way how to get back to >> back to that. But Hamilton, because you
can't go make a left on Maine and then get up Hamilton because it's a one way. >> So, it doesn't make any sense. And basically what this is, >> it makes the traffic on Wall Street backed up. That's why they did that >> to the public. We're in the middle of
Council Motton. Council, Councilman Jackson has the floor. Councilman Jackson has the floor. We're in the middle of roll call so that we can open up public portion. Councilman Jackson, >> basically what we're witnessing now is a money grab because you see the sheriff's
department out there all day long grabbing and ticketing cars. So, they've been ticketing cars and somebody, you know, had enough sense to probably fight against it. >> They don't ticket cars when they park illegally on the on on the right hand side when they shouldn't be parked in a
dual lane road. So, but we're going to give them another reason to just ticket our residents. This doesn't make any sense. I don't even think it should make it back to the agenda. Not only that, but where's where's the outline? Where is the information? where we all my vote is uh yes the table
madam clerk mean >> thank you council >> colleague I'm saying it's been here for 15 years >> yeah yes yes the table madam clerk >> thank you councilman Mendes >> council Mendes >> yes to table madam clerk >> councilman um
>> yes >> councilman um >> so I think the new construction of the plaza they did in in Hamilton between the welfare and the county. That's what's created a problem. That's why they limited traffic going to left in
that section. Before it was across Hamilton to >> to um Grant Street was a freeway. My question will be after this if they get a ticket making a left because the sign says do not make a left but there's
no ordinance. There's no statue. That's the problem. >> They remove the sign. >> No, I don't know. Let's talk to the county and whoever did the mall to put that sign there. >> Uh my vote is my vote is yes to table. >> Thank you, Councilman. Council
President, >> it's the right thing to do. This should not be on the agenda. My vote is uh yes to table. Madam court, >> thank you. The votes are eight in favor. >> Tabled. >> Two absent. Item number four is tabled. >> This is the last item before public portion. Item number five and the last
item on the agenda. Item number five, madam clerk. Item number five on first reading, no public hearing required. It's an ordinance establishing always stop control at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Alabama Avenue
for public works. >> Moved by Councilman Omar, second by Councilwoman Dava. Roll call on item number five. Madam clerk, >> roll call on item number five. Councilwoman Cotton. >> Councilwoman Dava. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Jackson. >> Yes. Councilman Khalik. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mendes. >> Yes. Madam Clerk. >> Councilman Omar. >> Before I vote, I know it's first reading, but for for anyone who's not aware, Pennsylvania Avenue, when you're
coming on to Pennsylvania Avenue towards Alabama, you are coming off the highway and many residents in the six ward, including myself, I I do believe that there should have been a stop sign. And I'm happy that the stats and data back it up. With that being said, my vote is yes, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Councilman Newton. >> Yes, ma'am. Okra.
>> Councilman Vez. I travel duty. I think so. My vote is yes. >> Thank you, >> council president. >> Yes, madam clerk. >> Thank you. The votes are nine in favor, none against. Item number five is approved. Second reading will be held on
March 10th, 2026 at the regular meeting. >> Thank you. The agenda is completed. Um madame clerk, we're getting ready to open up public portion. Um, I have noticed on the list there are 15 speakers, but I've also noticed that
someone has signed in three names, same signature that are not present in the building. So, I have to put this on the record. You cannot sign the sheet for anyone that is not here. I see on this list there are three names that were
signed in. They are not physically here, but I I do see that there's an additional signature that is signed that is here. So, we cannot that is a part of the statue of the decorum in the chambers. You cannot sign the sign-in sheet for anyone. That's called forgery.
You should not be signing anyone's name. Um in the chambers, you have three minutes to speak. Thank you to our IT. We had some issues with the microphone. >> We have the issues with the microphone. Madame clerk, first speaker. >> The first speaker is Noel Cardina of
Cardona. >> Testing one two three. Testing one, two, three. >> Please state your name and address. >> Noel Noel Cardona Patterson. So, honorable council members, I have served this city library system for 24
years, and this April, I will celebrate my 25th anniversary. I'm here today as the president of local 293 alongside Mr. Ever Mendoza, one of the officers in the union to tell you that
our libraries and the dedicated staff who run them are at breaking point. The library is a pillar of this community. It's where residents go for job assistance, where students go to learn and where seniors feel find connection.
We are the city most accessible resource. But right now, that resource being hollowed out by chronic understaffing and the administrative stagnation. The reality on the ground is becoming
untenable. Our union contract was ratified over a year ago, yet we're still waiting for it to be officially signed off. This delay send a message to our members that the hard work and negotiated rights are not priority.
Also, that contract, this current contract that was ratified will end this year, December 2026. We have numerous 375 personnel form that was submitted months ago
last year and they still not uh they're still unapproved. Approximately a critical position was submitted for approval last year to help alleviate our workload. Today not a single one has been approved but move
forward. Our union contract is clear. A minimum of two employees required for any branch or department to remain open to the public. This is a basic safety standard. Yet we are constantly forced into a
shell game. When one area is short, the director moves pull staff from another department to fill the gap. This doesn't solve the problem. He just moves the deficit. When you pull staff, you leave the home department on the staff.
projects stall, services suffer, and the entire system slows down. My colleagues and I care deeply about our work because we change life. We are humans, not machines. Doing the work of two or three people every single day is physically
exhausting and mentally draining. You cannot provide best-in-class service to a community when the staff is stretched to the point of burnout. When branches close or departments are crippled because no one is available, the
community loses. As the government body of this city, I urge you to prioritize library staffing, administrative accountability. Please help us move beyond. Can I finish? I only got three sentence. Okay.
>> Please help us move beyond survival mode by signing a contract and approving approving the staff we desperately need so we can continue to provide the safe professional service our residents deserve. That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Next speaker, Madam Clerk.
>> Yes. Next speaker is Mark Shayand. Kindly state your name and address. I'm really surprised with this council. You say that you care about the Pisonsonians. You say that you care about the taxes.
The proposal that Mike Jackson put on the floor was to benefit the residents of this town. If you do not listen, you will feel it.
The developers are running to the bank laughing at Patterson, New Jersey. Mr. Menddees, I came here to compliment you. I came here to compliment you on your
poster because some years ago I stood up here and I mentioned about stabilizing the taxes in Patterson. Alia, um I'm sorry. Uh the president then picked it up on his campaign
slogan. But you know what? You disappointed me today because you're not interested in stabilizing the taxes because that program would have stabilized the taxes. Why in the world are the developers
making money on the backs of the seniors and on the backs of the children here in Patterson? That's all I want to know. Why? >> Why? Why are we building big buildings
downtown and downtown Patterson and you have young men that are standing selling wares their wares off the street and we haven't made an agreement with the person that's building the building to
build little stores in order for them to have or build businesses. We're not interested in building businesses for small people in Patterson. We're not interested in building a black community in Patterson. The fourth ward, it's like
a raid. I had Ruby, you told me that money was not sent back. I'm sorry that the corporate council is not here because I was going to direct a question through the president to him. Did we send money back for firsttime home
owners? Did we? I don't want to hear from the council. I want to hear from the legal because that's where I'm going to get the truth. It's a shame what's happening in Patterson. It really, really is. I drove up
Madison A today. And as I drove up, golly, the fireman couldn't even get through. The fireman had to beep his horn because you had piles of snow on this side and this side. You thought about cleaning up
Broadway, but you didn't think about cleaning up the resource spots for the firemen and the amalances to get out efficiently and quickly. What is wrong with you, Patterson? What is wrong?
>> Thank you. >> That's all I have to say. >> Thank you, Mr. Shaylen. Next speaker, madame clerk. >> Okay, >> Mr. Joel Keys. >> Next speaker is Joel Keys Jr. Kindly state your name and address.
>> Testing. Tonight we honor Dr. Carter G. Woodson, not only as the father of black history, but as a model of courage, discipline, and uncompromising responsibility. Woodson taught us that freedom is not
just about access. It is about control. Control over our narrative. Control over our institutions. Control over how resources meant for our people are used or misused. Born in the first generation after emancipation, Woodson understood
something that remains urgent today. If others control the purse strings, they will always try to control the agenda. That is why he fiercely protected the autonomy of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Even
while accepting philanthropic dollars, he refused to surrender authority over how funds were spent or what black scholarship would prioritize. When white benefactors attempted to dictate terms, Woodson did not bend. He chose principle
over comfort, accountability over approval. That refusal is not a footnote in history. It is the lesson. That same spirit lives on today and our next mayor. Councilman Mike Jackson has reminded us that power is not symbolic.
It is procedural. As he explained, the city council's ultimate authority lies in its ability to pay or withhold payment. When bills are approved without scrutiny, power is forfeited. But when non-essential or suspect payments are
separated and withheld until the people's demands are met, accountability is restored. Like Woodson, Councilman Jackson understands that responsibility means refusing to rubber stamp dysfunction, even when doing so invites
ridicule or isolation. It is no coincidence that both men are deeply connected to the legacy of Mary Mloud Bthun. But Thun was not just an ally of Woodson. She was a strategic partner who helped shape the Negro history bulletin
and anchored black history in the hands of teachers and communities. Councilman Jackson is a proud graduate of Bthun Cookman College, an institution founded on Bthoon's insistence that black people must educate, organize, and govern
themselves with urgency and purpose. Woodson, Bthoon, and Jackson share a common thread. They are not content with titles. They are guardians. They are elected activists in the truest sense. People who feel the desperation of the
community and act accordingly. Black History Month is not about nostalgia. It's about responsibility. Tonight, we celebrate Dr. Carter G. Woodson by recognizing that his fight for control over black institutions continues in
classrooms, in council chambers, and whatever someone is brave enough to say. The people's resources must serve the people. That is the legacy. That is the charge and that is black history alive and well. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Mr. Keys. Next speaker, Madam Clerk. >> Yes. Next speaker is Eddie Olivaris. Please state your name and address. Thank you. >> Eddie Olivarees, Patterson, New Jersey. Today, I want to start uh by telling you
uh Mr. Jackson, that you seem to put some faith on what is happening over here to our left. And I wish that you did follow through with um filing ethics
charges against Corporation Council. uh if not for what you mentioned for the fact that the few weeks ago you asked them what the the meaning of shall now this is
some money that we spend we're spending $150,000 on this guy he can't tell give you the the the legal definition of sha here it is it's very simple um mandatory
obligation or command meaning something must be done. Wow, this guy doesn't know that these guys are allowing it. You know, I told Maris this a while ago and get rid of him. Just fire him. Oh, but we can't.
Yes, you can get together. All of you get together and fire this guy. He's useless to us. In fact, he's working against the uh the the best interest of the people of Patterson. I hear you guys arguing. you know, on making lefts, on making rights, making all kinds of
different things. Going up, going down, going sounds like dancing. Anyway, uh, and this tells us people that the city is just overdeveloped. That's really all it is. And this is why I think it is a good idea what you're proposing that we
put an end to this. We have to pay uh for the services of all of these people, the influx of all of these people that come to these large developments, to these um apartments and stuff like that. We have to pay for the police department. We have to pay for all of the services, their schooling, and they
contribute nothing to our tax base. It is ludicrous. And the answer to to Oh, he he left already. He was asking um you know why why are we making money on the backs of senior citizens and and
children? It's because these guys benefit from allowing it. That's it. Marisa Davila asked the question on Facebook. Why do I think uh that or what would I do different if I were in her
shoes or why do I think I'm a better candidate? And the answer to her question is everything. I will do everything different. The first thing I would do, I was not I would not support the mayor. That goes for Mims, all of them. Uh this guy is responsible for the
mess that we have over here. Uh then we have Alex Mendes. Today or yesterday, he every day is a scandal with him. Now it's the fire department doing uh you know, knocking on doors and and uh
asking for support for him. Thank you. The next speaker, madam clerk. >> Yes, the next speaker is Mike Vargo. State your name and address, please. Thank you. >> Mike Vargo and voting for Mike Jackson
for mayor. And uh I'm here for this reason. The taxes are going up. You can say 2261, but that is not so. and the taxes are going to go up and you're going to have a lot of abandoned houses and you're going to have a lot of uh
leans because people are not going to be able to afford two and a half times the amount of taxes because mine says 106. It went up to 267. And guess what that means? The taxes
will be maybe 13 instead of six or maybe 14. Who can afford that? Nobody. It says here 23 4.903 was the rate. 24 5.095.
25 5.335. Guess what? It ain't going to be 2216. After they figure out all this other crap, it could be four and every year it's going to go up. You are not going to help us. If you listening people,
take care of the people that have been. I've been here 30 years and more. I remember when Torres did the same garbage. Torres, mayor, you here? Torres, who went to jail, he did the same crap. He raised my taxes up from I
bought my house for $72,000. You know what his was after he junked it up? $296,000 dollars. Guess what? You know how hard it was to bring it down? And then when it crashed, people bought the house for
this much. They abandoned them houses. Why? Because why? I'm going to pay taxes and and for 267 when it says over here, I can only sell it for 100. No, you're doing the wrong thing if you're not going to help the people of this country
town because guess what? I can't afford that kind of crap. And and you know what? 267, it's not a fair market deal. I don't have a finished basement. I don't have a finished attic. I don't have a driveway. I'm attached to another house. That ain't a fair market
value. That's unfair. That's for somebody getting money for themselves. Somebody wanting money. You're not looking out for the people of this town. I've been here 30 something years. Torres tore up this thing when he did what he did. Bought my house for 72,000.
He jacked it up to 296. My taxes went from 2,300 to 9,000. No thank you. We don't need that kind of garbage. Am I done? Oh, I got time. Well, in any event, Michael Jackson for mayor.
>> Thank you. Next speaker, Madam Clerk. Next speaker is Cadia Jenkins. Please state your name and address. Hello, my name is Kada Jenkins and I'm here solely to speak about the
Patterson Library. As much as I have to say to this administration, I want to be clear and respectful. Tonight is only my concern as a library. In 2024, the Paddington Library received 850 in supplemental
funding. 2025 that dropped down to zero. As he said before, the population is about 200,000 residents served by only four libraries, which is already under staff. Patterson's poverty rate is about 19%.
Nearly three times the New Jersey's average, which is like a 6.2%. In a city like ours, libraries are not optional, they are essential. My question is for the business administrator and the council as a whole. Mr. Mendes, I reached out to you
earlier today, called your phone, wrote you on WhatsApp, and I also called the office and left you a message. Maybe you didn't get it. I also contacted the mayor's office and I was redirected to the city council's office. When I called the mayor's office, I really wish I would ask for the lady's name, but I was
told the mayor would not have a resolution related to the funding for this decision. I was also told the loss of funding was due to the federal administration Trump and that more losses are expected. I was then redirected to the city council. After she gave me that funky answer, I asked
who the lady name was that I spoke to next. She said her name was Diana. So my sole question is this. Is the administration actively considering options to address the loss of funding? And what is the estimated timeline for
action? Are solutions currently being worked on? And is this being treated as an urgent matter given that this affects people's jobs, a critical learning facility, and the broader community? And if funding is truly limited, are we
exploiting creative solutions? Can we partner with developers and require community investments into our libraries? Can we use programs like Outrider to support green spaces to connect our library system? Can we organize city supported fundraisers or alternative funding strategies? Because
if we say there is no money, then we must at least show there is effort. I'm not here to argue politics. I'm here for clarity, accountability, and action for our libraries and for our children. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next speaker, madam clerk.
>> Next speaker is a Roberson. Shall I go to the next speaker? >> Please state your name and address. Thank you. >> I'm going to get the mic right tonight. Good evening. It's sad to say our city is crumbling.
You know, we got too many concerns, too many issues. It's sad to hear some of the things that we're hearing. And Miss Cotton asked for Ward Street and Hamilton Street. I get your point that left-hand turn sign has been up there at the onset of the development of the mall. However, we do need to look at the
traffic pattern on Smith Street because with the redistricting of the schools and more buses out there, the impact is going to be surmountable. We need to do this here. So, traffic engineering, they need to get on board. This is crucial
and critical. Okay? And for those of you who see the community, try going out there at 7:15 in the morning. This morning, there literally was three school buses on Cliff's Street. Okay. That now they are trying to move over. I
literally had to go. It was a circus getting out of Patterson this morning at 7:15. We need to do something. Do something better. Okay. And on November the 11, 2025, on this day, there was a couple who was here that was talking uh asking a question about the procure
procurement process and presented that they had returned back to Patterson. Okay. And the council gave them some advice. My concern will pull up bulk pickup the Rottney Addison his procurement issue. With his procurement issue, he was told to hold off. Why is
the question he's energized and he's willing to incentivize the community. We need to look at what he's willing to do for the community and the impact that he could have on people of color in terms of job. The snow cleanup, I know it was talked about. My concern is we in terms
of holding spots after your cleanup and the mayor making the announcement that people should not be holding their spot. But my question to the mayor is what would be the effort if I put effort into shoveling and Miss Mims you come and take my spot. That spot yesterday has
now turned to ice. What did he expect people to do? Okay. So mayor I hope you're listening. Okay. Because I'm sure where you live at it was a cleanup effort. Okay. If the city is dragging about cleanup, imagine trying to shovel out a ice spot with no consideration for
those who live where they where they live. Um Mark, okay, the other issue, I brought this up a couple of weeks ago over Ward Street. Um the left-hand turn at when you go over I'm sorry, Main Street onto Oliver Street. We're talking
about signage. There's still no lefthand turn sign that will go into Oliver Street where the Kit Patterson Prep School is. We need to get on top of that there. Um, okay. Some of the issues old issues that have been brought up, we need to look
into them there. the the trafficking um city council. Another question I have is it possible to hold a council meeting just strictly for a public portion so that constituent could get more time on the mic.
Looking for consideration. >> Thank you, Mr. Robersonson. Next speaker, Madam Clerk. >> The next speaker is Elvis Durham. Please state your name and address. >> Mr. Elvis door, Patteradison, New Jersey, Fourth W.
Just came here to make some announcements. But before I get into my announcements, just want to say this to um Councilman Lewis for last. Um, the only place in the downtown area that hire people is
the P the only place that hire black people in the downtown area is Patterson Parking Authority in Center City Mall. Um, my YouTube channel is Patterson NJ good
news. My YouTube channel is Pisj Good News. My Facebook page is Elvis Good News Dur Ham. Just want everyone to know that Gospel
Music is back in Patterson, New Jersey to stay. Micas Productions presents a Black History Month celebration gospel concert Duna.
Friday, February 27, 2026. Dura starts at 5:00 p. p.m. The concert starts at 700 p.m. It's going to be at First Ame First Ame Church
326 Elderson Street 326 E L I S O N Street, Patterson, New Jersey. featuring the Highlight Juniors of Patterson, New Jersey, and Chef David Banister will be
doing all the cooking. For more information, you can contact Ray Mikas at 201638-5257. Get your tickets fast. Tickets is only $40. Also, Elvis Dorm Outreach Music
Productions presents Black History Celebration Gospel Smackdown. Saturday, February 28th, 2026. Concert starts at 4:30 p.m. at Before Church, the headquarters of the Fourth
Ward. Beth Ame Church 2-4 Auburn Street 2-4 Aub Street Patterson New Jersey co-pastor Marie Lag special guest council president
Council at Lords Lisa Mims of Patterson New Jersey also special guest international recording artist Pastor Dennis Watley and Faithful also White Wolf of Patterson, New
Jersey, Trinity Davis floor of New Jersey and many more. For more information, y'all y'all could contact me at 8628233895. Gospel Music is back in Patterson, New Jersey. I got one more thing just want
everyone to know. It's 30,000 people watching. I got so many supporters. The election is coming up May 12th. And my candidates, my two candidates for council at Laws is Lisa Mims and Marissa
Daria. So, let's keep them in office. We got a lot of big projects that's coming to the table. Okay? And it's time to get to work. God bless you and peace. >> Thank you. Next speaker, Madam Clerk. >> Next speaker is Marin Sugarman. State
your name and address please. Thank you. >> Good evening. I'm Maren Sugarman. I'm a resident of Bloomfield and I am the artistic director of Shakespeare on site which operates under the opaces of ATC Studios a nonprofit arts organization in
Clifton. I am in Patterson because you owe me money. Shakespeare on Site has been offering productions of Shakespeare free to the public in the city of Patterson for four since 2014,
12 years every year, including 2020, the pandemic year. We started at Lambert Castle and we moved on to the Great Falls in Patterson and the Patterson Museum. And in the past several years, we have been blessed by um grants from
the Pay County Cultural and Heritage Council in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. These grants allow us to pay for audio amplification at the Great Falls cuz they're louder than we are. Modest production costs and very modest stipens
for our actors, musician, and director me. But this is what happens to our poor little grant check in the city of Patterson. First, the museum applies for the grant and the museum gets the grant and they receive a check. But because
the museum is a statutory agency of this city, this is how it goes. The next step, which is step three, the museum director goes before the library board and they pass a resolution to accept the money. Step four, a copy of that resolution and the check are sent to the
finance department. Step five, the finance department sets up a separate line item for grant funds. Step six, a purchase order is created by the museum. Step seven, services are rendered. Step eight, bill is submitted with a purchase order to accounts and controls. Step
nine, accounts and controls process the payment. Step 10, the payment comes in front of the city council for approval. Step 11, upon approval, the treasury generates, cuts the checks, and mails them out. This is why people cannot stand government. This is the reason.
This is ludicrous and it's embarrassing. Services were duly rendered on September 19th and 20th of last year with performances at the museum and the Great Falls. Yet, we are stuck at step five because the finance department has not
yet set up the required line item. This is not your money. These are grant funds that you are required to administer on behalf of your museum. We value our producing partnerships in the city of Patterson. I only wish that we were
valued enough to be paid what has been granted to us by the county of Payic and the state of New Jersey. Basically, I and my fellow artists would just like to be paid. And I think the members of this body might want to be a little bit embarrassed by the bureaucracy that brought me here this
evening. Thank you for your attention. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Next speaker. >> Next speaker is Joseph Hart. >> Please state your name and address. >> My name is Joseph Hart, Patterson, New
Jersey. Born 1961. I am an OG Pisonian. There's a few things that I hate about my town that's not no good. Downtown is a mess. It's crap. The parkings,
they don't respect the yellow lines where the fire trucks are police cars supposed to be and the fire hydrants. And do any of you guys ever take the transit buses, the New Jersey transit bus, of course, I take the 160. I take
transit bus every day. And when it makes that turn on Ellis Street by that pizzeria where those cars ain't supposed to be parked at, the sign said $55, why not bring it up to 255? That that give a city some more money and put more
patrolman out there to give those tickets out and the and the crosswalk. I Somebody was backing up. I'm trying to cross the dog on street. I almost got hit. And yes, they don't stop for the stop signs. I live I live on 49 Prince
Street and they don't stop for the stop sign. They supposed to make us, you know, they don't care about pedestrians in this city, my city, especially downtown. Well, you got a lot of people that's disabled, wheelchairs, whatever,
you know. And it's like this city don't care about the pedestrians. What the hell's going on? You know, I'd like to see more of that protection for people that's disabled. >> No, thank you. >> And people that that's got to walk, you
know, wherever they got to go at, you know, cuz it hurts. It hurts. And sooner or later, when them buses make that turn, especially on Ellison Street, they got to go up on the other sidewalk because all these morons are parked
their cars where they ain't supposed to park at. I just told the bus driver, "Jay, hit the hit hit those cars like dominoes. Plow them out way." You know, they won't park there no more. If I did that crap back in the days, I get a ticket.
And the the policemen that used to be there downtown, downtown was his area. That was his area. That was Joe White. Hell yeah. Nobody didn't like him, but he would clean the town up. And then double parking and everything. It's a
mess. And I know some people take the mini buses and whatnot and they'll be there for a while. A lot of people miss the transit bus trying to catch the bus. That ain't right. That sign said New Jersey transit. And of course, when I'm
crossing that cross zone, I put this cane up. You stop. You stop. And you know, and that's all I got to say right now. I just, you know, you guys have a good night and God bless you. Thank you. We love you, Mr. Hart. Next speaker, Madame Clerk.
>> Yes. Next speaker is Deborah Hannibal. Kindly state your name and address. Thank you. >> Good evening, Madame Clerk. Council President, council members to the administration. I stand corrected when I was up here
earlier on it was item number 21. So I was really upset because I've been here before and I've heard that uh that we've had to pull back contracts that had been awarded because
the spec wasn't correct. And that makes no sense. this is a waste of time and money and we don't have a lot because you can hear people coming here asking for money that they should have been paid and I did write a U request earlier this year to be granted an extra minute
anytime that I appear before this council. So I'm going to begin happy new year and happy Black History Month. I have not been in the chambers this year. And the last time I was here, I came straight
from work. I missed dinner. I was dealing with significant pain from an injury and I waited nearly three hours to speak and only to receive three minutes. When
residents come here, they give up dinner. They give up a parking spot and time with our families. I hope some courtesy and consideration can be extended. I learned years ago that when
one person comes to file a complaint, at least 25 to 100 others have that same experience or that same complaint. But maybe they are single parents. They're afraid they won't get a parking spot. They don't come. But when we show up, we
should be given some type of courtesy. Tonight, I'm here to address what appears to me to be suppression of information from this administration.
I have submitted numerous Oprah requests, many have of which have received no reply. I'm told that it should be access granted, denial, or request for clarification,
and there's one other one I don't remember. But most recently, I requested two years of payubs for one employee along with the resume, application, and personnel action form. The city
responded with a bill that estimated that that work would take three and a half hours. To put this into perspective, payroll systems like ADP or Prime Point typically can generate two years of
payubs in two to four minutes per year. So if somebody in the chamber would humor me, I still have one minute. go to chat GPT and ask how long will it take to access financial payubs for two years
and then if someone here would also entertain me by going to their app on their phone to see if they can access their payroll records if you have access to your ADP on your phone or Prime Point and see if you can get two years of
records. I'll tell you, it's going to take at least less than 10 minutes because I even did it today. And that's a part a regular part of the the duties of someone that works in personnel or payroll. Employees come all the time to
request that type of information. It takes less than 10 minutes. But the city wants to charge me, a resident, and a taxpayer $150. >> Thank you. What concerns me is that the that this what really concerns me is
that this request went through the BA's office, corporation council's office and the CFO because the CFO is now in charge of payroll and it also went to whoever is
the personnel director. That's incompetency at the highest levels that someone will be charged for 3 and 1/2 hours of work for something that will take less than 30 minutes. When people don't know,
they don't know. So, information is being suppressed. I've asked for vouchers and I did just want to add that when you request salary information in the BA and hopefully you'll be able to respond or corporation council information for salaries
vouchers any kind of budget information you're granted immediate access not seven days not 10 days not no response >> Hannibal thank you >> thank you and this is a city citizens guide to the opra
The open public re records act information is being suppressed. >> Thank you very much. Uh Miss Hannibal. Uh madame clerk. Next speaker. >> The next speaker is Sam Bailey. >> Sam Bailey.
Sam. >> Please state your name and address. Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Patterson, New Jersey. So, I would love the attention that you guys owe the lady the bill. Everybody was paying attention and focus. Thank
you so much. So, I have a couple points. All right. So, one of the streets that was changed from a two-way street to a one-way street that I don't think is necessary at all is for left 11th Avenue on East 38th Street going towards Route 20. It's a very um simple street about eight houses on there. I'm not seeing why that was turned to a oneway.
All right. Next one was holes to be filled. Holes to be filled. We have on East 18th Street and Lauren Street. There's a pretty big pothole over there. And I was just curious because while I was watching, observing everybody was talking. I was curious who's taking the notes when people ask these questions to see how they're going to get back to them. So the holes on East 18th Street
and Lawrence Street. The other hole is on East 33rd Street when you come off of Park Avenue going to 17th Avenue. So you're passing that back end of PNC Bank. All right. One, I'm gonna have to drive by that Wall Street in Hamilton Street because honestly, I don't see why they wouldn't make that turn to a left because it's going to be too much traffic. Going to be a whole bunch of
people after they pass TD Bank, they're going to be making U-turns just to go back on Hampton Street. Next, honestly, that towing of the resident's vehicles. My car wasn't towed. However, I don't see why we in Patterson would be given same day notice to move cars off a
street to possibly go into a destination that also did not come through that text message at couple of days, and then to tow people cars. And when I called into the city, that's how I even found out they was towing people cars on that Thursday afternoon when she told me they're going to tow it on Park A Madison. And I'm like, wait, I'm driving up Park A right now. I don't see a sign.
So to put those signs up on the same day, which P County wouldn't even do that because they have to have 24-hour notice. That was cold and heartless. And for those people to have their cars towed, they should really be reimbursed, not have to pay any tolling fees whatsoever because let's be honest, this was because of snow and not because of
them being irresponsible. All right, next. Um, all right. By the way, yes. Um, love to get some more information about what he was talking about in terms of that abatement. I'm not a fan. I understand that maybe back in the day we had a lot of abandoned buildings. Yes, we needed them to get cleaned up, but right now
that's that time has passed for about two and a half years now. We have way too many development buildings and not enough paying taxes. Yes, I am one of those people who was extremely angry about this letter. Let's be honest, this thing I've seen four of them and the four of them I did, I did the math is 2.87 that they were all doubled by. I'm
not sure who would you guys think are going to pay these taxes. We don't have it and it's ridiculous and we do need people to understand that. I was told to talk to the um BA. So, we do need people to understand that. I want to know what is really going to be done about this because these letters are going out and as somebody else here said, we don't
know this 2.261. It's actually too high for me anyway because let's be honest, this thing went up for me by 325,200. What? Come on now. Let's be reasonable. Now, we're talking about all across the city of Patterson. And then the other thing about all these buildings and all these different residents coming in here, who's paying for the sewer, the
water, the streets, and then when you guys are going around talking about giving out tickets, we don't have no parking. So if we keep on building these big buildings, that time has passed. We have >> All right, we have no room to put these places. So we got more cars getting
ticketed for stop sign, parking at the fire hydrants. Guess what? They want to go home. They need to go inside their house. They cannot sit there and just double park and then hope their car don't get towed. I just think that we need to understand that humanity is very much necessary and we cannot be just not
considering the fact that people got bills, healthc care went up, insuranceances go up, car insurance is high in Patterson alone, much less getting your car towed for parking when you go home. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um Javia, if you could just see her. Last speaker, Madam Clerk. Um
>> next speaker is Garcia Frasier. Please state your name and address. >> This is the last speaker for the evening. Thank you. Good evening, Miss Frasier. >> Hi, good evening everybody. My name is Gracia Fraser and I've been in Patterson since I was 15 years old. I'm not going
to tell you my other age now, but anyway, I Patterson have been my own for my entire life, you have to say. However, um I know we're all not new to snow. Snow has been around from before man and we can't predict it. However, I
think it's about time Pisa came up with a better system of snow removal. So, I I I think that we should when the snow falls, there should be a system. Okay. In sections, okay, from this time to this time, move your car, pick the snow
up because we don't have anywhere to go. This is a big huge city and we can't really park. A lot of the homes don't have driveway. Most home has two and three, four, five caro household and tenants is there. So where does that
leave us? What do we do with the snow? And the system that the mayor put in place was not an appropriate system like how do you get home? I mean there was no trolley. There was no shuttle for people to park their car and get home and his
system of you know towing everybody car. Now my second thing is I was managed to work hard as a single mother and I bought my home in 2014. So since 2014, they've been assessing my
home from 148 to 149,000. And I've been in the 150 since then. And now last year I'm at 158. And then the estimated one now is 450,000 for a little fixer up a home that I
bought that I'm still trying to fix and can't get it fixed all the way done cuz there's so much to do but I have to work and you know make deal with the workman I'll pay you every two weeks cuz I don't have the money now. How do Patterson
these appraisal go about appraising our home at how and how they come up with these numbers and how are we expected to jump from that to that when you still have fixer upper with your step broken
you still got windows to fix you still got how do they come up with these numbers I would like an explanation and I'd also like to know I know um Mr. Alex Mendez and Mr. Jackson I think is going to be running for mayor. What are your input of assessing us or helping us with
these tax hikes that are impacting us the residents and not >> the big guys that are coming in building and building and Mr. Valz I heard you said that Norc is building up and I can only address you on that because I work
in Norc. However, NORC is building up but their rent is not as high as Patterson. I can tell you that because I work with people that live there. In North you could still get a two-bedroom apartment for $1,200, for $1,000. I work
with people that are in North that are paying lower rent and they're building up. It's, you know, not everywhere is building up. And I'm telling you from my experience of working in the hospital, Patterson has way better system of people and class than in North because I
live in Patterson. And it was a culture shock for me to work in Newark. And I said, I'm in the hospital system and I don't hear people cursing on us in Patterson. And I've worked in Patterson, but we are so much of a higher class. And I'm not putting down anybody, but I
just want you to know that with all these buildings coming into Patterson, our rent has skyrocketed through the roof and it's causing five, 10 people to share one apartment to survive. Thank you. >> Thank you. Appreciate you. >> Thank you so much. There are no more
speakers. >> Seeing move to close. >> Motion to close by Councilwoman Davis. Second by Council President Mims. Roll call to close the uh meeting regular meeting um on February the 10th. Madam Clerk, roll call. >> No. >> Roll call to close the
>> close the public portion. >> Thank you, madam. >> This is to close the public portion. >> Roll call to close the public portion. Councilwoman Cotton. >> Yes. Councilwoman Dava. So, I just want to quickly just say this uh specifically to all those that have
received the notice of increases. All right. Um, it's astronomical what I'm hearing and and I've gotten numerous calls and all I am telling everyone, come to the tax office, pick up your application and
move forward so you can have an appeal with the county because I honestly even questioned it as well how these companies that that is and we're mandated by the way to do this. So, this is something that has to be done. It's
my understanding that some of the individuals Councilman Mendes, I'm actually addressing the person who who who was talking about Okay. So, I I just don't want you to lose on what I wanted to say because I think you should go for an appeal. But I will say this when you talk about, you
know, your your humble home that still needs, you know, um different things to be addressed. You know what I am seeing cuz I've asked the people that have called me, did they go into your house? No. And every person that has told me that they got that big pump increase,
none of them went inside. So, they did an assessment of the outside. You have the right to appeal. And I'm going to say it to every person that got a letter with their increase that they did not go inside your home to do a true assessment, please do an appeal. All
right. Um, and to everyone else, thank you very much for coming and addressing us. I think that every person that comes here, you know, uh um for us it is important to hear you. Unfortunately, there are times where we don't have immediate responses, but we definitely will make sure that for the next
meeting. And for those also that ask, our clerk is the person that handles all of the requests. They were put in writing and then they're sent to all of us. There's also a transcription. If you ever want it, you go to the clerk's office to request a copy of that meeting's transcript. Uh, with that
said, and to all my council members, have a good night. Um, I'm actually leaving, so my vote is yes to close the public portion. >> Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. So, I mean, fortunately, you ladies had an
opportunity to see tonight exactly who's working on your behalf. You know, what's what's happening? The reason why these rent these uh uh these um the assessments have ballooned so so much is because there's been an allowance by
developers to buying these houses at foreclosure for $25,000. Flip it back to themselves for 5600,000. So what's looking like a trend of sales in a neighborhood, it's only a developer
flipping a house back to himself. They create a new LLC. They flip the house back to themselves. When you go to do a comp is you're looking at comparables at 56 $700,000. There's houses on North Fourth Street, two family houses selling for $650,000.
So when when you look at what they're allowing to take place and then um you know the ultimate plan here if you ask me is their their their claim that well when we instituted this uh garter state
growth zone it was all these blighted prop properties and now they're no more. Well guess what how many blighted properties are going to be when people start losing their homes because they can't pay those taxes. Who are they setting that up for? When you talk about the the benefit of the of the
developers, none of most of which live in Franklin Lakes, they live in, you know, this places where there's they're living five six million dollar homes and they're getting that benefit off of the city of Patterson. But yet and still, you see my fellow colleagues sit here
and refuse to support a measure that's going to force them to pay their fair share. Further, there's there's a a a cluster of properties that's that's uh managed by these management uh groups like
Israel, Royman, Penrose that's supposed to be getting managed by the city of Patterson, Patterson Housing Authority, and they're not they're not providing the services and even those facilities are raising the rents to astronomical um
uh levels. Listen, your council member could tell you anything they want to tell you in your ear. They could talk slick all they want to. They could say they could whisper sweet nothings and tell you how cute you are, tell you how much they care. If they can't institute some some real
planning and show you how we're going to reduce the tax rate. If they're unwilling to hold developers accountable now, then why are we supporting them? That's including on people that's running for reelection. We have not held developers accountable at all in our
community. We we've allowed them to come in here, make a great deal of money, and then we praise them for how much how much contributions they make back to the community. Yes. Because they're making so much money that they're able to divvy around and give give up some crumbs so
that we can feel happy about it. But be aware cuz a lot of these people that's that's voting that won't don't take a stand against this stuff, they're they're not paying these high rents. They're living in facilities or in uh houses that's owned by the by a
developer paying a fraction of the cost that that everybody else is being asked to pay. So that's something that we need to keep in mind. Lastly, um with regard to the to the library, I'll say this. You know, we have witnessed every single
year the this this administration just totally undermine the importance of the library. You have a number of their of the of the uh union contract workers come here today talk about the fact that their contracts have been ratified several years ago and yet they still haven't have not been funded. This
council again has not stood on its obligation to make sure that the finances are being done properly. one council person can't do it. And when you have other council members sitting here acting as if I I I'll be right out to speak to you ladies,
acting as if they're working on your behalf, but yet can't hold firm on a vote to make sure that the employees and the staff of the people that's providing the most critical services in our community is met, then it's telling you all all they have to tell you. Lastly, I
want to just make this point tonight. you witnessed uh you know the the the community's best interest being not only just ignored but stomped out like a like a a burning
cigarette on the bud. Right. We had an opportunity not only to challenge all of these tax abatements that's been in place since 2023, but we also had an opportunity to wipe off the board so that people cannot continue to
just get away with building whatever they want to build here and not have to pay their fair share in taxes. Nobody on this council is going to be paying the price for this because these tax abatements is going to be lasting for 30 plus years. Nobody on this council is going to be here. But who's paying the price? You, the residents. If you're a
renter, you're paying the price because you're being pushed out of your own community. If you're a homeowner, you're look what's just happened. And then they're misleading you by giving you the perception that that the rate is going to be set at 2.7%. That's an absolute
lie. And nobody in this council should be standing still while that why that letter was able to go out in that fashion. With that being said, madam clerk, my vote is yes. Thank you. Councilman Mendes. Um, thank you, Madam Clerk. Um,
I would like I would like to take this moment to thank all the resident of the city of Patterson that came on public portion to express their concern. It's been um it's been a a very difficult time for a Patterson residents. Um, I'm receiving letters uh from this appraisal
company left and right and and and it's it's it's very serious what happened in Patterson because we pushing people out of the town resident that have been here for 40 and 50 years. um we forcing them to move out to get out of the city and we're not sure if they're going to be able to sell their property because a
property that going from 14 to $18,000 in taxes is going to be almost impossible for you to put that property in the market and be able to sell the property based on the the interest rate that we have and it's such a high taxes. It's it's sad. Uh I mean we have people
uh online on food pantry because what they they working they got one and two job and they still cannot make you know enough money to be able to put food on the table. That's what we facing here Patterson residents. Uh you know and at the same time when you go outside uh
almost 3 week after the storm the all the streets in Patterson they're full of ice. Some of the street there's still one way all the buses stop they full of ice. It was horrible to see one of the senior resident in the third war fell on Brilland Avenue because the the entire
bus stop is full of ice in both sides. That's what we face in Pis. We pay high taxes in this city and we getting no services at all. And and that's what really concern me the most that people they don't see any light at the end of the tunnel. And and one of the thing
that I that I would like to inform a resident about this letter is that uh they talking about the 2.261% 261% and they give you a total estimate on how much you're going to pay on taxes. But I would like to inform the community that you got to do you got to do this
math. The 2.261 is only the city portion. They didn't add the county tax, the district school tax, the opening space, the library. This property from $5,889. It will pay $15,34. From 5,800 to $15,000.
That's what we facing in the city of Paso. Tell me if we not pushing people out of the city, but at the same time, we cannot even receive basic service. And the mayor is responsible about this. I'm I'm this I'm saying this over and over. He been getting more money than any other administration. And look at
the condition of the city. You know how hard is to bring more revenue to the city? When people walk into Patterson and they see the filthiness of the city, they see how the city look. People, a lot of people walking away. We have to organize organize the city, clean it in
order for to attract new business to attract people to stay in Pison. Our downtown is looking like a ghost town in Patterson. The garbage in our community. We got people leaving this city every single day. They closing their door because they not making any money here.
That's what we facing Patterson resident. That's what we facing. And yes, election has consequences. Absolutely. But we got to talk about this. Um, I'm I'm going to be helping resident with appeals. Uh, so I want you to appeal this. It's just unacceptable. It's impossible. The young man that has
his property on 14th Avenue, he called me today almost crying because his taxes went up $18,280. 18,000 on a two family house Patterson resident. That's what we facing here. And at the same time, just go outside, look at the look at the condition of the
street. the mayor he's waiting for the weather to get better for some for some rain for the ice to go away. It's almost impossible or after three week after the storm. That's what we face in Padis. That's what we we cannot stay quiet about that we definitely cannot. So I
would like to I want to recommend all resident to get you appeal ready. You have to appeal it. But once again, you have to add those number because that's not the realistic number. That's not the actual number that you're going to ended up in paying. When they add the county taxes, the school district, the open
space pay, and the library, you're gonna ended up with 4.69%. 69% more or less on your taxes. That's what we face in Patterson here. So, so it's it's it's sad because we pushing a lot of people out of this city, you know, and it's heartbreaking. We have a lot of
single family, especially in the third ward and all the rest of the city that they live on fixed income. Um, some of them they just get the social security and a little bit a little bit of money here and there and it's going to be impossible for them to pay. At the last meeting, we hear about the lean. How
many lean we sold? 1,200 leans. The result of all the leans. This is the result of all the lean because people that are under the water, they can't pay. If they don't make it enough money, they they're going to stop paying. And once you have a lean on your property, in two years, that person could do a
foreclosure on your property and you could lose your property for that lean. That's the reality that we facing here in the city of Patterson. and at the same time go outside and look at the condition that we have in the city full of garbage and a storm that the city
utilize to hurt the most vulnerable people in the community. Um to towing car left and right. I spoke with corporation council and I'm looking forward to see that legislation on the next workshop to reimburse the money that we charge to all those people that we toing those cars. A lot of sign were
missing. A lot of people that they have no place to park. they couldn't put the car on their head or inside the room. So, they have to park somewhere and at the next day the car was gone. I saw people crying because that the car was the only source of income that they have
to do Uber dash uh Uber uh Uber Eat and that's the way they make they make this money to pay the rent. And guess what? The car was gone and they have to pay $400 to be able to get the car out. That's a crime. That's a crime. It's
impossible that we could continue allowing this to happen in in our own community. It's impossible. That legislation also the um the ordinance uh I'm looking forward corporation council to amend the ordinance on towing during a state of emergency. I'm looking
forward to make that amendment because I have to stop. This is the last time that we could allow this to happen. is South Patterson. But that's what we facing. And I'm going to talk because if you pay your taxes and they pick up your garbage on time, they pick up your
recycling on time, the clean the street, remove the stone, at least you see that the money is going somewhere. But look what happened, P. So I'm getting texts and phone calls every single day. And I feel frustrated because people believe that that we have the power to make things happen like that. You have to
call and you have to wait for them to respond. And everybody knows when you going against the mayor, he use all his power to go against you. That's what he doing. He's a bully. He's the Donald Trump of Patterson. So Patterson resident, I'm looking forward to continue this fight. Enough is enough.
Um with the library, uh I'm in full support with our library. I love what the last speaker say. Library is an accessory in the city of Patterson. our our community. We we have a workingclass community that at least at the least that we could provide then a free
service through the library and and I'm in full support. I make I make a recommendation way back about the filing money. I know it's not a lot but it's a little b a little bit of money that will help you know uh to the library. So we have to be creative. Every dollar matter in the city of Patterson. Every dollar.
That being said my mad clerk my vote is yes. Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Omar. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. I just want to uh comment if anybody does want to appeal their uh assessment, you would have to go to the first floor in the tax office. And I want to thank every speaker for coming forward. With that
being said, my vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Uden. >> Thank you, Madam Clark. Good evening, Patterson. Uh thank you those who are here. Thank you for joining. Thank you for your input. And uh thank you to the public, those who joined.
online. So, let me let me start with the um the appraisals that that a major concern and I am reading so many text messages as as of now and
well if if you notice that in the text assessment um appraisals that were sent that reflects um I don't know where's Mr. CFO uh Mr. Can I have your attention?
Mr. Vier, so Mr. Vier, so I'd like to make sure clarify and and this is a concern of many residents. They are texting and I'm reading some of the text messages, some of the um appraisals or received by the people and
comparing um the languages. So I say with that appraisal that the property values were shown I say um unusually high.
I mean I say pretty much double comparing to 2025 to this year. The great things that you can see on the paper which is the tax rate in 2025 is showing the 5.5%
and this year is showing 2.2% 2% and some changes where tax total taxes looks like should keep being same or somewhere slightly decrease but again this is not finalized though
this is going to be finalized after how Patterson public schools introduce their budget county budget as well and in one year that for so at that point the resident might
be satisfied since it doesn't look like the the total amount increased too much. However, that unusual hike might affect somewhere in the near future. That's what I'm looking at. Last two t two
years Patterson public schools raised their taxes. Not sure what they're looking forward to. county are pretty much stable, I would say, compared to ourselves or or school district. But I think the appraisal service should
clarify to the public that what was their methodology to assess these properties. I mean in one year we all know that values went pretty much pretty high in last few years. However,
I did not like the way it showed from 2025 to this year price went double. I don't think this is it doesn't sounds correct because I was reading about five text messages, five different letters and that kind of says that I'm going to
forward some of the messages over to you or you know or you can you can see some of the you can talk to the tax assessor to find out that how they how they uh assessed those properties. Um so this this is a major concern.
Patterson is struggling. That's that's true. However, we we introduced a budget with 2% increase which is minimum requirement as we receive transitional aid. And this is one of my stand always been
that I I even in introduction I did not wanted to see more than the required increase to our budget. But if assessment go that much high doesn't matter how stand how we stand against
tax increases it's going to negatively impact to our property owners. So I want your uh stand on this to find out from the appraisal service that what was how they appraised those properties. Um
again thank you. I I see the director from the library here. We we are extremely happy seeing some of the libraries are revitalized and I want to see these libraries are providing services. We need more employees. I 100% agreed and I think we
need in-depth discussion that how can we be more supportive not only just introducing or um no contract but also how can you make sure that uh our library is getting supported by providing resources cuz this is very important and as as you
know that our our childrens in Patterson public schools many of them are going through the situation there where they do not have a space in their house to sit eat and read but they use our libraries. So we have to keep our libraries open. Our librarians the
employees should be supportive to our children. So I think director we need to have a discussion behind the camera and see where we can end up with. Again Patterson thank you for your input. Thank you for joining us. Whether your
comment goes in favor or against us doesn't matter. It helps us to make the right decision for our people. With that being said, my vote is yes to close. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman VeZ. >> Uh, thank you, Council. Uh, that madame clerk. Uh, let me see where I start. So,
um, Mr. Ba, uh, if it's possible, I know you, uh, wrote some note downs, uh, regarding the public uh, coming up. Um, they're concerned with the library and also with the museum. Um I am the
chairman of the statutory service and and um municipal service and statutory agent agents agencies. Uh if it's possible I could get a a slight report uh from A to Z timeline of any if it's
possible uh I know you're the new BA and you catching up with everything that was behind probably in this in in the past of the library uh any conversation regarding budget um anything that moving forward will will
fulfill their demands. Right. So because we going to a new project uh new process a budget and so so we could have it ready. We could call a meeting for statutory uh uh with the committee and if you want to uh lay it then in the in
the committee meeting we could lay it down a committee meeting. we could invite uh the uh the the library director, the museum director and and because this is a committee meeting, we could highlight their needs and also uh
uh moving forward uh how we could budget them better. Um I'm not going to talk about the snow removal. uh is being critical not only in Patterson had been critical in Newark, Jersey City, Helden
P is still removing snow from the street. Uh total is still removing snow from the street. Uh we have 17 plus inches of snow. What it really made it worse was the temperatures. Let's be
honest. No mayor from today or no mayor from tomorrow. If we don't equip DPW the proper way, >> we're not going to remove not even five inches of snow. But I commend I commend
the DPW workers, employees, Patterson PD, fire department that was out there working day and night making sure our roads will be safe and um making sure that was not for me and
making sure um everything keep on smooth. I did say that there's a near borrow next to us is I believe 5.6 miles street miles in their town and they still was struggling with those ice
and those snow. Meanwhile, we have 156 miles of street. We did a pretty job and continue doing the job supposed to be. Um, regarding ladies and gentlemen, you know, I know we're in campaign season,
but regarding the reval, the city council did not approve the reval. Neither or the mayor of the city of Patterson, not even this mayor, not even Joy Torres, not even the previous mayor
approve the reval of the property in the city of Patterson. The reval was approved and mandated by the county taxation office with the state law.
So the county commissioner meetings are Tuesday at 5:30 in the afternoon. They the one that should listen also the residents of Patterson.
Now of course this benefits some people and of course people that are getting benefit will see that they getting hit because they make improvement to their
property. So now the property is not is not is not val rev reval at 300. It reval probably at 500. They're making that that investment in their property. Of course it's going to go high. a score is going to go high. That's why I voted
no to the to the 2% of the tax uh mandated by the state the cap because I know that people are not looking that the county is going up, the school board is going up, the library tax is going
up, open space is going up and we are the collectors of those portion of the tax bills. If we go pay only 2% that will be beautiful but we had to collect them to be able to have the responsibility and pay them and collect
those taxes for them. You know everybody's good campaign that we could lower your taxes. We go satellite taxes. So you imagine if we remove the New Jersey grove, just imagine more property is going to be abandoned.
Nobody's going to be interested to come to Patterson invest one thing I know that we remove that and let's take opportunity to bless Patterson that we going to have into 2028
because if we don't have it into 2028 you know who going to grow New York City Hoboken all those city are growth because we decide to block those people that want
to put Patterson on the map. Last but not least, I don't like to rebut a lot of things from the public, but you know,
when they say Newark has lower rent, so thanks God for J GPT. They used to criticize me because I use it now. Everybody use it for even arts
and all that stuff. That's a good thing. But University Heights in Newark, New Jersey, the average rent is from 2600 up. North Arabound 2400 up. Downtown Newark,
1950 up. West Side 2,000 up. Springfield and Sera up to 1,400 up. Right. That's one next to us. Clifton that people say, "Oh, Clifton is cheaper rent." A studio
apartment 1,700 up to 1,900 a month. A bedroom apartment 1,800 up. A two-bedroom apartment 2,300 up. A threebedroom 3,000 up. That's that's that's my Clifton neighbor. Pake that people say that P is better than
Patterson. Okay. studio 1,500 up two bedroomedroom 2100 up threebedroom 2500 up I'm not saying to justify that we cannot do better >> we could do better but you know whose responsibility is to do better
is the administration to identify not to create affordable housing is to create lowincome housing Because right now everything's
affordable, but low income for those people that cannot pay rent because they don't work, they live in social security, etc., etc. They low income based on low income. That's how we could work for the people of the city of Patterson.
Okay. So, saying that, I'm not in real estate. I'm campaigning based on real estate. I'm campaigning base. I'm working base. Sorry, not campaigning because I'm not running. But uh I'm doing what I have to do when people just
bring some facts that it's not the logical one. the mayor, the council, nobody in the city voted for revaluation was mandated and also mandated way back in 2014 I believe by mandated by the
court that the the property had to be evaluated because was low I know correct. So saying that, madame clerk, thank you. Council president, thank you. My vote is yes to close. >> Thank you, Councilman. Coun council president.
>> So I will be brief because we're closing uh the public portion. So first and foremost, thank you to all the speakers that have come in person and those that are watching and those that have been texting all night in relations to whether it was the sounds or other
things that have been going on in the council meeting. We appreciate all of your concerns. As it's been stated, um I'm a homeowner as well as some that sit on this side of the deis. If you received your uh reassessment of a val a
reval and it is higher than expected, please go to the tax assessor's office. Perhaps they tried to come to your house and was not um provided access in to do a true evaluation and an assessment. So, if you go there and reschedule that
appointment um or make the appeal on the first floor to the tax assessor's office here in city hall, that will assist. Um I heard it stated on tonight about Madison A. Madison A. Madison A is uh Councilman
Madison A is a county road. Um and so the county did do a big portion of it and they were supposed to come back. So to Mr. BA. Um, I know that they're in the uh I'm not sure what phase of the snow cleanup, but I know the county did
start some areas and did not come back. I know the temperatures will be increasing starting uh tomorrow and next week in the 40s, but there are some corners um in the city that has a lot of snow at the corners where people are trying to
um when it's hard to make a stop, full stop, and you're sliding sometime into ice. I got a call from North Third and Cliff Street, which I sent to DP DPW on the hill. Uh it was full of ice. So, if we could just check some of these areas
because as the snow is desc um decipating on its own, we want to make sure as uh it's doing that that in those areas when the temperature does drop at night that we don't have a whole bunch of ice pockets um in the community. There were many great points that were
made on tonight um and many concerns or questions that were made on tonight. And I want to say this and ba um there are many concerns that have been stated right and some things that were not really true that I've seen even
on social media. Um one thing I tell the community when things are done the community doesn't see a difference between the mayor and the council because they look at all of us elected officials to get it done. So, one of the
things I would like to see is a full report of the towing because I heard it stated and I for me I like to verify facts with a situation where someone's car was towed and they said it was towed and there was no police officer. So, I reached out and I found it not to be
true. There was a lieutenant there. I have the lieutenant's number, Lieutenant um Lieutenant 153, who was there and made the complaint and made the request for the toll card to be told. Now, did the resident catch them and they gave them credence and didn't tow the car?
Yes. But there was a lieutenant not just out. He wasn't just He called it in. He was on site. He was there circling the area for cars that were possibly abandoned, that were snowbound. There were cars that were told that did not
have any license plate or or uh insurance. So, I would like to get a full report of all the cars that's been told. And are there some other concerns? Possibly. Yes. But there are some major concerns that happened as well. Um and
that's why I believe um Councilman, who's not here, I hope he can hear me. Council made a valid point about the work that is being done because there's some great work that's being done. You have on one side people are saying enforce the law. So then when they start enforcing the law, then you're mad
they're enforcing the law. So they got to do their job. You're asking them to do their job. We're pushing them to do their job and they're doing it. And I want to say and I'll put this on the record and I know our finance chair is not here. Um as well as some of the finance committee members, but we did
have a meeting with the library director. Our BA was present. I know he's in constant communication with uh with the director in regards to uh the financial issues or andor concerns there and I know they're in constant dialogue
about that. But I did hear the woman that came on tonight, she talked about a grant. She said it's possibly about $5,000. So, can we just check to see if it's like stuck in and stuck in a loop or something to make sure that we can uh clear that up? But I know um sometimes
we want it done quick, but there has to be checks and balances even when it comes to grants and those dollars. So there's one central repository for those things. So if you could just check that. And there's many other requests. I know constituent services was here on tonight
and took a lot of that information um and has responded. But you know, we're here to serve and I tell the community I don't do politics while I sit in this chair because I do it outside the building. We're here to do the city's business. And I think that's key because
we have our secretary, our madam clerk, um our senographer, and everybody's here. I will say this because two things. One, I don't want anyone to tell the public that myself and Councilwoman Cotton have
an issue. Councilwoman Cotton and I don't have any issues. So to even try to pose that on Facebook is a mistruth. we don't have issues. You have to bring decorum in the chambers. Sometimes you don't see what's happening in the chambers. You don't see what's going on.
But to try to insinuate that there's a concern, there is not a definitely not a concern. We talk every single day where council colleagues and even deeper than that. But we don't have a concern. So I don't want that. But also um in addition
to uh that I also want to state that there's many many uh things going on in the community as it relates to events situations that pertain to our students um situation that pertain to our seniors and I would ask the community to please
reach out to some of our seniors and those that are not able to shovel out. It was a lot of seniors that could not get out and or shovel. And there's also a um it it's a stomach virus that's going around. So, please be safe and be careful. Madame clerk, to close public
portion, my vote is yes. >> Thank you, council president. The votes are eight in favor, one absent. Public portion is now closed. >> A motion to close the meeting. Regular meeting of February 10th. >> Moved by Councilmen Mendes, second by Council President Ms. Roll call to close
the meeting. >> Roll call to close the regular meeting of February 10th, 2026. Councilwoman Cotton. Thank you, Madame Clerk. I just want to say that I want to say to all the speakers that came tonight, all the ones that um are even watching TV. Um
there was quite a bit of concerns and stuff. I think council president, you looking at the stuff on Facebook. Um if I have a comment, just let me finish my comment. If I need to finish something and I'm trying to explain what happened, just let me finish explaining what
happened. That's all that's all needs to be done like everybody else sitting up here. That's it. You may not like the answer, but that's the answer that I'm giving. Um, so that's all that's about. And she's right. We do talk every day. But let me finish my comment like everybody else sits up here finish up
their comments. Um, also I want to say that um I know everybody was talking about the tax bills. Um, I know that I told um my tax assessor office that when they when the bills did finally come out, I mean when the assessment came out for your property that I will be trying
to have I will be having a meeting so they can I can explain to them um some people already got a price on the end which I don't understand how they did that but when you go into the tax assessor office there's a rate that that that I was told that will come down. Um,
and once you go in there, so just just be on the lookout for for myself as council member the fourth board of having a meeting to discuss the new rate that they have to come out with that they have not come out with. So I don't understand how they put a a estimate tax
rate, a tax increase on a bill that they have not established the rate yet and the rate has to be established. So I want everyone to be on the lookout for that. I just want to say also to there's many things that are going on. Um
um I know there was a lot of um things with the with the snow removal. Um I just want to say to the you all in in Patterson, even though we're only 8 point square miles, but we're over 190 miles of road.
That's a lot of road. That's like driving from here to to Delaware of road. So, um, how can we pick up the snow better? It was suggested maybe using, um, street cleaning days or whatever that that way. But, um, I know
that we have to be able to figure out something. Um, I mean, when I I've been in my house 40 years and I know what my neighbors and what we did when it came to snow removal and when just certain things that we did on ourselves. So, but I want to thank
you all for coming. I want to thank those that came. Thank those that spoke. Thank you for watching. Um I always say, you know, I'm I'm always here if you need to call me for anything or any information you need to understand. Um just give me a call. With
that being said, I want to say good night to all my council colleagues, um to my madam clerk, to my secretary Dietra, to my BO, my my VA, to my corporation council, to my CFO, and to you all the audience. Have a good night.
God bless you. Madame clerk, my vote is yes. >> Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilman Jackson. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. So, uh, I'mma just end it by saying this. Um, you know, people continue to be here and talk about different things, and it's
amazing. Um, I can't help but mention but but to uh acknowledge Councilman Mendes has been cheerleading all year, all the last four years with the mayor, cutting ribbons, holding hands, smiling. All of a sudden, he's
utilizing ver my verbiage that he's the mayor that's had the most money in the history of the city of Patterson. And yes, it is true. but he's been supporting all of these measures that the mayor's been bringing forward. Now that this election season's here, all of a sudden, none of these things are
correct. Every single item, in fact, when see since he became the council president, he's become the mayor's rubber stamp, basically. Um, you know, uh uh th this this matter with the with the library has been ongoing. The
library has been getting short changed. In fact, the money that comes to the city that's that we've been giving the library for the last 20 plus years, we've been we've been excluding it. You've never once taken a measure within the within the uh the budget hearings to
make sure to force the administration to provide those full services to the library. All of a sudden, now we we got uh um employees come through from the union and and now we're advocating for the library. You had all these years to
do so. Listen, Patterson, it's time to do a do do something completely different. Otherwise, our expectations of a change is is is not going to be realized. It's only going to continue to get worse. With that being said, Madame Clerk, my vote is yes.
>> Thank you, Councilman. Uh, Councilman Mendes. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. I'm very proud of the my vote. I've been supporting the right team for Patterson. Good project. I've been supporting resurfacing in the first world war when you be voting against when all those three are destroyed and with pow everywhere. So
I'm not using uh this seat um to go against people just because I used this seat to legislate. And let me just say Patterson I'm not campaigning you know and in support uh all with this situation that happened. Uh when we talk
about taxes we talk about um the biggest issue that we facing in the city of Patterson. As everybody know, I got the most amount of homeowners in the city of Patterson, the third war. And and I hear this every day. I hear people that live on a fixed income um taking the decision to move out of Patterson because they
really can't afford it. Those people that live on fixed income, they can't they can't take this. And and this is going to push a lot of people moving out of the city. This is going to push people moving out of town and and out of state. Patteradison, um I mentioned the the the line of people in the food
pantry. Those people that are in the food pantry, they have jobs and they cannot even make enough money to put food on the table Patterson resident. That's what happened in the city of Patterson and and the budget reflect the quality of service that you will provide to the constituents. So, uh when I go
out there and I see I'm not okay all the town they do a better job. Kudos to our DPW worker. They need more equipment, but that's administration responsibility. This council approved everything that the mayor put on the table for him to do his job. I remember Jeffrey Jones and I mentioned this
before. Jeffrey Jones was crucified for the for for on the last storm. Now he doesn't want people to talk about his poor performing. It's not it's not it's not that the is that it's the mayor who put a plan together before, during, and after the storm like all the mayors
throughout the entire municipality. P it P did a a great job a phenomenal job cleaning they didn't towing all those car they didn't have you know that that was that was not the case in P so Patterson when I'm the reason why I'm
here and I'm speaking about this is because I hear the crying of the resident every single day the crying of the resident every single day when I went to Brilland Avenue one of my senior fell on Brilland Avenue because the bus stop is full of ice three week after the storm patter you know We see that, you
know, we could do better. I'm very sure that we could do better. We could clean the city. We could do it. But it's take a strong leadership to get the job done. Enough of excuses. It's not to say, "Oh, you know, we we you know, we did all No, the mayor have all the money in the
world to get the job done. The bullets in his core. Get it done. Look at the condition of the city. Don't listen to me. Don't follow my just go outside and look the way Patterson look now and you come back and tell me. >> Good night, Patterson. My madam clerk.
>> Thank you, Councilman Odin. >> Thank you, Madame Clark. One more time, public. Uh, first of all, thank you for allowing me to serve you. And one thing one thing I'd like to just um just one more time
um we do have a lot of frustration and I always agree that we always have room to improve always and this this is this is very true but commitment of our DPW crews you cannot
you cannot question. I mean last sto I mean storm and until today they're out there. They're trying their level best to clear our streets. That's very true. But at the same time
as residents of this city and as we do have kora >> to speak we do. Okay. He's still in the room. Okay. And it is also our responsibility to take care of our front yard backyard
and as someone and I have mentioned last workshop session on my I was the witness there are five cars who are towed from to avenue because whoever the owner they didn't even clear their own own cars.
I mean we cannot really justify everything together. Yes, if there was car towed just be because they you know there was no uh notice no signage but still the car towed. I think we do have a process
council compression council to come to the second floor. There is a paper form to fill out and they can get their money reimbursement. We do have the process in place and whoever called me I said if you have the proof that there was no signage
posted please go to the second floor there is a paper you can form you can fill out and you can get your money back but again the city cannot move forward just with the work of administration or just work of the elected official
council or the employees but we all have to be part of Think about last Saturday that was extremely extremely cold below 0°. There was a house fire windy day house
fire on Union Avenue. Few hours Patterson Fire Department were on the street on the to control the situation, control the fire, but luckily no one was injured. And this this is the commitment we see
there. But again we we are shortage of our employees in every single department and we have to have a plan that's absolutely agreed with our council colleagues that we need resources we need more employees in the departments we need better equipment updated
equipments in our departments >> police department I can say two police officers right here and I say police response rate is very frustration level that 100% % true cuz every day I make few phone calls let's
say there is an accident 3 hours on the street no police responded and council president give me give me a minute and but for for the information of our resident that they feel that our one of
the unit that's they have seen that passed by did not even stop but according to my best knowledge and last time I I paid the visit to the uh um dispatch center whenever police police officer get phone
calls in 10 minutes they respondse to this matter but because it's too many calls on the line even dispense center could not even forward that request to the police officer to the unit because of too many request
comparing to number of officers in our city uh you know comparing to our residents is very low. We need to hire more police officers and this is why we have introduced a new police contract which might interest more officers to join our police department.
Patterson again we all have to be part of this progress. All have to be part of this progress and I am always optimist about our future that we like to see our city moving forward with our cooperative direction.
With that being said, Patterson again, we are grateful and I'm grateful to allowing me to serve your councilman at large in city of Patterson. My vote is yes to close the public port uh close and end today's regular meeting. >> Thank you, Council. Councilman,
>> no. You >> My vote is yes. Good night, Patter. Councilman Valz. >> So you know you know when you watch the news and all the news are bad but you had the last 30 seconds to say something
positive and the news end. I'm not the last one. The last one is council president. She always great last news. But first of all, it's disrespectful that I'm the last person sitting here
and I have to listen to everyone in my right and everybody leave when they already speak. I know that Councilwoman Davila excuse herself early because she had matters to take care of. But it's disrespectful that I sit here, I listen
to everyone, and they just walk away. And that's disrespected to the quorum and to the quorum of this chambers. And uh I will not do that. I will not do that. I never break quarums and I try to
listen to all my colleagues with the concern. Madam, Madame Madame Clerk, Madame Clerk, I was watching uh the Black History Month program >> through YouTube in the lovely Dominican
Republic. I know it was called Here, but over there was hot. I want to say congratulations to the committee that put this all together, to your office, to your secretary, to your clerks
because it was a beautiful, beautiful event. I want to thank Ernest Rocker for introducing my honory of that night, Paulo Alford. But one thing I have to clarify on the record, I'm not the
stepson of Ernest Walker. Okay, we are family. Benji, thank you for that type of announcement. I I laugh on Dominic Valley when I was watching this, but it was good. It was good. Um,
it remind me too that last year I gave the honory to Kenyatta Stewart and but I wasn't here and I I I want to say this for the record. Uh, I have a new family and since I got married, the father of
my wife birthday is real important. He's a turning 87 and she's the oldest daughter. So, I had to be there with her. So, happy birthday to my father-in-law. I will translate this. I'm not going to do like Bub Bunny. Uh,
Bad Bunny, sorry. Um, everybody's criticizing Bad Bunny, ladies and gentlemen. Just enjoy the music. >> Just enjoy Just enjoy the music. Um, just an advice for those that want to be mayor in the city of Patterson
and to the mayor of Patterson. Next time we have a storm or any kind of situation that merit a state and emergency plan, invite all nine council member to the OEM meeting and get a plan
together and nobody get an excuse. That is working together. that is working together. Councilman Mendes, >> you plan to run for mayor. >> I am. >> And you are, but you're not listening to the concern of the colleagues that probably are working with you when you
be sitting there. >> So, one of the recommendation I'm giving is that if and to Jackson left, right? But those that are running for mayor, at least listen to a recommendation when it's knowing a storm is announced or
whatever, instead of having everybody fighting each other out there, >> you're going to bring all the council to the BA and everybody to the OEM meetings and sit down and set up a plan >> to work together for the benefit of the
residents of Patterson. Then when you create that plan, everybody's on board >> and everybody get along and everybody take a shovel and start digging driveways. >> Right. So that's a good idea right now.
It would be better you sit over there, but that's okay. You approve that message. But that's that's one thing. Listen, when it comes to a state of emergency, when it comes to a situation like co like co >> hit us hard. We all needed to unite for
the benefit of the resident. The water main break. What's so different between a snowstorm and a winter main break? We all had to come together and help our residents. What's the different a water main break in the city of Patterson was a state of emergency. We all came
together and deliver water. Everybody did what they had to do. Nobody was criticizing the mayor, only me. But, you know, we was working together because it was an emergency. So, and it was not election time. The only one that was criticizing the mayor
was me. >> And look, I'm not running. I'm letting other people to win. But he knows I'm better mayor than him. I ain't over here though. Just kidding. Last but not least,
>> oh my god. Last but not least, um, happy birthday to my lovely daughter Francesca Ayala Valz Torres. All the names because they change name when you
know. But happy birthday to my lovely daughter Francesca. A proud product of public schools in Patterson. She is a construction official in St. Cloud, Florida. And she's doing great. I'm not gonna say the age because I still look young. Thank you. Um,
>> madame clerk. >> Yes, sir. >> Let's keep on doing the work that we supposed to do. Mr. Ba, I know you took notes on the request. If it's possible, if you want to have that conversation sidebar in your office, we could do so. Um, I don't need to knock doors. The
doors are always open. Mr. um um cooperation council, I'm proud to have a corporation council like you, >> my friend. No, defend him if he's your friend. In public, too. >> Always.
>> Don't Don't try to defend him without the microphone. >> Say something. Always. >> It's the floor. Always. >> Come on. Come on. >> So, corporate council, thank you. God bless your family, the work that you do, and your team that really save taxpayer
money. To the two officers back there, thank you for being us, for being here with us, and thank you for protecting Patterson. Thank you for protecting Paris. >> God bless you all. >> Oh, to my second. They know me. They see me like Ruby K. Ruby K. Me goes to the
office almost every day. Right, Ruby? >> Come on, Councilman. >> We go to the office every day. We see them. >> Councilman, you ready for vote? >> Oh, to my president. Thank you. Madame clerk, my vote is yet to close the public. Good night. Thank you,
Councilman, Council President. >> So, to the public, and I just want to put this on record, the agenda was done at 9:00. We are now about to leave at 11:10 p.m. The entire agenda was done at 9:00.
>> There's many things as it relates to city concerns that I we hear your complaints. Getty AB was signage was up on Getty. >> Uh, did they ever come back to Getty? Yesterday they went back to Getty. So
>> snow was gone. >> Okay. >> No vehicles were told. Snow was removed on yesterday. So there is a roundabout. Was things done perfectly? No. Can things get better? Absolutely. But we have to do it together. If you have
recommendations and or solutions, please let us know so that the administration can help with partnering with the schools, partnering with the county, partnering with some of the local businesses and nonforprofits and the faith-based organizations
for what would be a snow remedial plan um in the future for emergency situations. I want to say to Councilwoman Cotton, she knows I love her. And if I if I cut you short, I apologize for that. But when we're sitting in the chamber, the process
normally is supposed to be when we're going into vote, there's a two-minute rule. And I do understand that because some do talk over they all talk over the two minutes. So, it's not just one. They do do that. So, with that being stated,
um, to our Madame Clerk, our secretary, to Irma, Linda Raphael, to our police officers, to our BA corporation council, to my council colleagues, let's continue to do the work. Um, and I I will say this, there is an election coming up and
we've heard many things and I I kind of laugh sometimes because I see I I last week I waited cuz you know I'm open to criticism and I waited last week for the criticism that three the three council women had to sit here for an hour and 20
minutes before the meeting started and there was not one critic. But tonight the critics were back on social media. So, if we're going to be fair and we want to criticize, let's be fair and criticize across the board. Council meetings start on time. And I also want to say this. When you come for to sign
up for public portion, please come sign up. The list is out for over an hour. Please don't ask anyone to sign in. Please do not tell lies on our secretaries stating to council people that our secretary signed your name on
the list. Our secretaries do not sign anyone's name on the list and I take offense to that being stated tonight about our secretary Dedra that someone said that she signed their name which she did not do that. So we will not
allow our secretaries to be mistreated here in the council chambers. Please be on time if you would like to speak. The list was out for over an hour. You cannot come at 10:00 at night and then say you want to speak and then say that the secretary signed your name. That is
unfair to our secretaries. It is unfair to the chambers and unfair to the quorum. With that stated, madame clerk, to everyone, happy Valentine's Day. If you don't have a Valentine, be your own Valentine. to uh Congresswoman
Elect um and Alias Maha, congratulations on that great victory and so many others that are running for different various offices. Um I wish you uh the best of luck. Um and I pray that you will continue to uh do well and I pray for
all of those that are sick and all those that have lost loved ones. Madame clerk, with that stated, my vote is yes to close the regular meeting of February 10th se at 7 pm 2026. >> Thank you. The votes are seven in favor, two absent. The meeting of February
10th, 2026 is hereby adjourned. Good night, Patterson. >> Good night, Patterson. >> Good night.