The Paterson City Council held a special meeting on September 9, 2025, primarily focused on a resolution regarding the settlement of a pending litigation claim involving Marcus Fuller versus the City of Paterson. The meeting began with a motion to reopen the special session, which was approved with a roll call vote showing seven in favor and two absent.
The council discussed the resolution, which was moved by Councilwoman Cotton and seconded by Councilman Velez and Councilman Omar. During the discussion, Councilman Jackson expressed his concerns about the city’s commitment to its residents, particularly regarding the conditions that led to the litigation. He voiced his opposition to the settlement, stating that a simple resolution was insufficient given the circumstances.
Despite Jackson's dissent, the resolution was ultimately adopted with a vote of six in favor and one against, with two members absent. Following the adoption, the meeting concluded with a motion to close the special session, which was also approved unanimously.
The council then transitioned to the workshop agenda, where they moved to open discussions for the upcoming topics. The workshop session was also closed after a brief discussion, marking the end of the meeting.
This meeting highlights ongoing legal challenges faced by the city and the council's efforts to address them, reflecting broader issues of accountability and community safety in Paterson.