Paterson council approves bills, dozens of routine items and multiple licenses; 7-1 vote on Lafayette affordable-housing support

The Paterson Municipal Council on March 18 approved a large set of routine and policy items, including the payment of $7,192,987.91 in bills, renewal and transfer of local taxicab registrations, several traffic-change ordinances and new rules for mobile car-wash operations. The council also passed a resolution finding the Lafayette Affordable Village housing project meets an existing housing need, 7 in favor with one recusal and one member absent.

Council members framed most votes as routine governance needed to keep payroll, vendors and city services running, while a few items prompted extended debate: payment of the bills drew a formal objection from Councilman Jackson and the Lafayette housing resolution produced a broader policy discussion about affordable housing in Paterson.

Payment of bills and consent agenda The council approved payment of bills totaling $7,192,987.91 (including payroll) after discussion about personnel pay increases and processing transparency. Councilman Jackson voted no and pressed the administration for documentation explaining a $15,000 pay increase for a personnel director; he said the council is accountable for spending and sought committee review. Councilwoman Mims and other members emphasized that roughly 98% of the bills list covered payroll and essential vendor payments.

"We're responsible for the spending in the city of Paterson," Councilman Jackson said while explaining his no vote.

The council adopted the consent agenda (items 13–65, with item 48 removed) by roll call; the package included the AFSCME contract and several settlements and personnel items.

Lafayette Affordable Village (resolution 25:176) Council members voted 7–1 (one recusal) to determine that the Lafayette Affordable Village housing project meets a local housing need and to support its effort to secure funding. Sponsors and backers described the measure as a nonbinding letter of support intended to help the developer pursue subsidies and financing for a 139-unit project aimed at veterans, seniors, grandparents raising grandchildren and young adults.

Traffic and public-safety ordinances Several traffic-change ordinances on second reading were adopted unanimously or near-unanimously with the stated purpose of improving pedestrian safety near schools and seniors' housing. Notable adoptions included changes to Carrollton Drive to serve St. Gerard/Mejia School and one-way/stop adjustments around local streets. Council members said these moves were driven by community requests and traffic studies.

Environment and regulatory ordinances The council adopted an ordinance establishing a permitting regime and operating rules for mobile car-wash businesses (stormwater controls and permit fee), intended to prevent stormwater contamination and provide enforceable requirements for operators. Separately, the council strengthened penalties for illegal dumping by amending the code to increase fines and add community-service obligations for offenders.

Licenses and local business support The council approved renewals and transfers of multiple taxicab registrations for local companies and took other business-related votes that officials described as support for neighborhood businesses that comply with city rules.

What passed, at a glance (selected votes) - Payment of bills, $7,192,987.91 — adopted (6 in favor, 1 no, 2 absent). Motion moved by council staff and seconded; roll-call debate recorded. - Consent agenda (items 13–65) — adopted (7–0–2 absent). - Lafayette Affordable Village (Resolution 25:176) — determined to meet existing housing need; adopted (7 in favor, 1 recusal, 1 absent). - Ordinance: Mobile car-wash/stormwater rules (Ordinance 25-006) — adopted on second reading. - Ordinance: Additional penalties for illegal dumping (Ordinance 25-003) — adopted on second reading. - Multiple taxi registration renewals/transfers (Res. 25:170–175) — adopted. - Dozens of local traffic-safety ordinances (various items on second reading) — adopted.

Council members and administration said the meeting balanced routine financial oversight with neighborhood safety and development items. Several members urged that personnel and pay questions be discussed in committee so the public record can be clarified.