Paterson Municipal Council highlights from the July 17 regular meeting:

Payment of bills and consent agenda
- The council approved payment of bills in the amount of $14,937,119.02. Councilwoman Davila told colleagues that the largest line items were two payments to the Board of Education totaling $12,703,839.84; other notable disbursements included roughly $740,000 in tax appeal refunds, workers' compensation and liability payments listed as $375,193.95, and approximately $486,000 for lighting projects. The motion for payment of bills was moved and seconded on the floor and adopted by roll call (7 in favor, 2 absent).

Ceremonial recognitions and street naming
- The council recognized Robert Artist on his retirement after 42 years of city service; colleagues offered a tribute on the record.
- Resolution honoring the life and legacy of Congressman Charles B. Rangel was adopted unanimously (Item 47).
- The council adopted a resolution renaming Hamilton Avenue between Summer Street and Carroll Street as Reverend Doctor Moses McKenzie Senior Way and Reverend Doctor James C. Creech (Item 48); council members said a celebratory ceremony will be held in late August to coincide with Creech Temple’s 75th anniversary.
- The council adopted resolutions recognizing local business anniversaries and service, including a resolution honoring Mr. Cristino Antonio Campos and his restaurant (La Hacienda) on its 30th anniversary (Item 49) and honoring Dr. Melissa Barault for her service as chair of the ABC Board (Item 50).

Historic designation and ordinances
- Ordinance (Item 5) designating Bible Way Church of Christ (the historic former Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church at 16–22 South Street) as a municipal historic landmark passed first reading and was scheduled for second reading at a special meeting on July 8.

Handicapped‑parking ordinances and other routine business
- Council adopted a package of ordinances establishing and repealing handicapped parking spaces at multiple addresses across the city (Items 1–4). The second‑reading votes and public hearings were completed on the record.

Procurement and other votes
- The council adopted the Citywide Towing contract award (Item 45) after debate about storage charges and enforcement rules.
- Item 46 (RealFix shared‑services agreement for Passaic and Clifton) failed for lack of motion; the administration was asked to return with fuller performance metrics and documentation.
- Item 51 (third‑quarter estimated tax bills) and Item 52 (emergency temporary appropriations) were adopted; see separate coverage for details and debate on taxes and the $54.5M appropriation.

Votes at a glance (selected items)
- Payment of bills ($14,937,119.02): adopted (7 yes, 2 absent).
- Consent agenda (items 6–44): adopted (7 yes, 2 absent).
- Addendum Item 53 (amend resolution reappointment Acting Municipal Clerk Jacqueline Murray): added and adopted (7 yes, 2 absent).
- Item 47 (resolution honoring Congressman Charles B. Rangel): adopted (7 yes, 2 absent).
- Item 48 (renaming Hamilton Avenue for Rev. Moses McKenzie Sr. and Rev. James C. Creech): adopted (8 yes, 1 absent).
- Item 49 (resolution honoring Cristino Antonio Campos / La Hacienda 30-year anniversary): adopted (8 yes, 1 absent).
- Item 50 (resolution honoring Dr. Melissa Barault): adopted (6 yes, 3 absent).
- Item 51 (authorize issuance of estimated tax bills, third quarter 2025 at 2% municipal levy): adopted (6 yes, 1 no, 2 absent).
- Item 52 (emergency temporary appropriations June–July 2025, $54,527,765): adopted (6 yes, 1 no, 2 absent).
- Item 45 (award towing contract to Citywide Towing, Inc.): adopted (6 yes, 3 absent) — see separate coverage on towing debate.
- Item 46 (RealFix shared‑services to Passaic/Clifton): failed for lack of motion (no vote).
- Item 5 (first reading, historic landmark for Bible Way Church / former Saint Athanasios): adopted on first reading; second reading scheduled for July 8 special meeting.

Why to watch
Several of the votes affect everyday city operations (towing, tax bills, temporary appropriations) and will require follow‑up work by administration and staff to produce the documentation council requested. The council signaled it will continue budget oversight and pursue follow‑up on procurement and ordinance enforcement.

Ending
The council closed the meeting with announcements about community events including Juneteenth and an African Heritage Parade. The council adjourned after completing the agenda.