Paterson council advances special police officer ordinance
The first-reading vote starts Paterson’s push to add Class Two special law enforcement officers for events, traffic incidents, and other limited assignments.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — first reading, award contract to johnny spot llc, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
Council members said the new officers could take on accident scenes and event duty, but only after academy training, testing, vetting, and a second vote on September 15.
A new police role moved a step closer in Paterson. The City Council passed first reading on an ordinance that would amend Chapter 81 and create Article 11 authorizing Class Two special law enforcement officers. Dr. Lilisa Mimms, Ruby Cotton, and Maritza Davila were named as sponsors, and more co-sponsors were added during discussion, including Ibrahim Omar, Luis Velez, and Alex Mendez.
Council members focused on where these officers would actually be used. Ruby Cotton asked whether they could help at bazaars, festivals, and similar events to cut costs. Members said the officers could handle specific assignments, including accident scenes and other calls that now tie up regular officers for hours. Dr. Lilisa Mimms said the proposal had already been reviewed with the public safety committee and the police union, and said the union agreed to proceed. Members added that anyone hired would need academy training, testing, and vetting.
Alex Mendez pressed for clarity on who would make appointments. The answer from the dais was that the process would track police hiring and credentialing, with action by the governing body and the mayor or administration, plus police department vetting. Michael Jackson backed the idea but noted these are appointed positions, not civil service jobs. Luis Velez asked how Paterson would pay for it, and members said salaries would come from the police budget. If the ordinance is adopted in September, members said rollout could line up with the 2027 budget.
Award contract to Johnny Spot LLC for rental of portable bathrooms at various city locations (two-year period)
Portable bathrooms are staying in the city’s parks plan for now. The City Council approved a two-year contract with Johnnie Spot LLC to provide portable bathrooms at locations across Paterson through the Department of Public Works, with a cost not to exceed $100,000.
The vote came with a broader argument about what residents should expect from public spaces. Ruby Cotton pointed to a park location during discussion. Luis Velez said he wants portable toilets removed from Robert Clemente Park once summer camp ends and said they are not needed in winter.
Dr. Lilisa Mimms said residents have been asking for bathrooms and pushed for a real plan at Eastside Park, where she described women’s facilities with rust, missing handles, hanging doors, and stalls covered with garbage bags. She called for investment in permanent bathroom repairs, along with a cleaning schedule from the Department of Public Works and some shared responsibility from park users. The resolution passed.
Police equipment package moves ahead
The council moved ahead with police purchases by authorizing bids for 12 replacement motorcycles and approving contracts for three UTVs and a mobile command post retrofit. The debate turned on priorities, with some members questioning specialty equipment while patrol car shortages and response times remain unresolved.
These purchases shape police response capacity, equipment priorities, and how hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent.
Library kiosk and repairs win approval
The council approved a grant-funded 24-hour self-serve library kiosk and canopy for the Paterson Public Library, and it authorized bids for repairs at the Danforth and Southside branches. One member said large spending items like these need a clearer public explanation before votes are taken.
Library access and building repairs affect whether residents can safely use neighborhood branches and new self-service options.
Tax purge ordinance gets first reading
The council introduced an ordinance to purge 2025 taxes and interest for Block 4802 Lots 23 and 24 under state law. The discussion centered on a charter school exemption, with Luis Velez questioning how tax breaks should apply when charter schools operate in rented properties.
Tax-purge ordinance for charter-school property could affect exemptions policy, though it targets two specific lots.
HUD compliance contract gets council approval
The council approved a contract with Sevidas LLC to provide technical assistance for Paterson’s HUD-funded programs, including CDBG, HOME, and ESG. Members said the work helps nonprofits stay compliant, meet deadlines, and avoid losing money that otherwise could be returned.
$100,000 HUD-program compliance contract helps preserve housing and nonprofit funds residents rely on.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Paterson had 21 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCECouncil approves two SHI technology contracts. Council approved SHI contracts for SDL-related software support and for municipal website hosting, implementation, maintenance, and backups. Members questioned the costs, services included, and whether the city is seeing results from the technology spending.
- GOVERNANCEGuaranx Liquors licenses renewed. Council renewed both the entertainment show license and dance hall license for Guaranx Liquors at 467 Union Avenue. Discussion included police calls for service, people gathering outside, and expectations around curfew and closing time.
- GOVERNANCEAward contract to Wielkotz Company LLC for registered municipal accountant services and annual audit (2025 calendar year). Council approved a one-year contract with Wielkotz Company LLC to perform annual audit services for calendar year 2025, not to exceed $175,000. Councilman Jackson questioned the lack of detail and raised concerns about budget issues and reliance on transitional aid.
- GOVERNANCEAppoint member to Rent Leveling Board. Council adopted a resolution appointing an individual to the Rent Leveling Board. Members stated the board needed to begin functioning and congratulated the appointee.
- GOVERNANCEEndorse NJDOT application for Passaic County office complex at 11 Marshall Street (Public Works). Council approved endorsing an NJDOT application related to the Passaic County office complex at 11 Marshall Street. A member requested coordination with the County and Sheriff’s Department to clear sidewalks and debris.
- GOVERNANCEAward contract to Fairfield Maintenance Inc. for monthly inspection of fuel tanks at various city locations. Council approved a contract with Fairfield Maintenance Inc. under a New Jersey state contract for monthly inspection of fuel tanks at various city locations, not to exceed $60,000, for September 2026 through August 31, 2027. Members questioned scope, tracking of fuel use, and leak testing.
- GOVERNANCESupport the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act (Assembly 1715 / Senate 282). Council adopted a resolution supporting the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act, identified as Assembly 1715 and Senate 282. The Council President congratulated Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson as primary sponsor and referenced Senate work to advance the bill.
- GOVERNANCEAward contract to DSI Medical Services for alcohol and drug testing for employees (pre-employment). Council approved a contract with DSI Medical Services for alcohol and drug testing for employees (pre-employment), not to exceed $70,000, for July 2026 through June 30, 2027. Councilman Jackson urged discussion of random testing for safety-sensitive positions, citing a recent firefighter arrest; members discussed CDL testing, marijuana legalization, and personnel/privacy concerns.
- GOVERNANCERatify payment for purchase of rock salt (DPW). Council ratified payment for purchase of rock salt for the Department of Public Works in the amount of $56,246.91.
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