Passaic City Council honors DPW superintendent Mark Watkins and longtime Councilman Daniel Schwartz at June 17 meeting

The Passaic City Council on June 17 formally recognized two long-serving city officials and employees, presenting proclamations and public thanks for their years of service.

Mark Anthony Watkins Sr., superintendent of the Department of Public Works, was honored with a detailed proclamation read into the record by the council president that traced his career from a temporary hire in 1989 to superintendent, noting he led a team of more than 60 employees and has served the city for 36 years. Watkins accepted the recognition and thanked the mayor and council for the opportunity, recalling the mayor’s early encouragement when he took on leadership responsibilities.

Councilman Daniel Schwartz received a proclamation honoring 28 years on the city council and 25 years on the Passaic planning board. Council leaders praised Schwartz’s steady, quiet leadership and his contributions to planning and civic engagement. “Tonight is the culmination of 28 years of serving the city,” Schwartz said, calling his tenure an honor and thanking colleagues and family.

The council also acknowledged the recent deaths of longtime employees, including a DPW staffer identified as Tim White and a retired tax assessor, Lois Mann, and requested flags be lowered in their memory. The body observed a moment of silence.

The session included brief tributes from multiple council members and staff; the mayor announced that certificates and proclamations were presented to family members of servicemembers and retirees during the meeting.

The council took a short recess following the presentations and then proceeded with routine business on its agenda.