Paterson City Council sorts agenda and seeks purchase details
Paterson City Council members sorted contracts between consent and regular items while seeking more detail on library computers and mobile-software maintenance.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — agenda organization, public comment, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
A councilwoman asked for the library computers’ models and quantities, an explanation of the higher amount, and details on warranties, service and software.
Computer specifications mattered as the council sorted its agenda. The Paterson City Council reviewed which items could go on the consent list and which needed individual consideration. Members moved several items between the two categories while reviewing first and second readings and numbered resolutions. An auditing-services contract was placed on the regular agenda, along with an entertainment-license renewal identified as a finance item.
A library purchase drew a request for more detail. A councilwoman asked for the computer models and quantities, why the amount was higher, and what warranties, service and software were included. Paterson City Council members discussed an annual support and maintenance contract for mobile software connected to public works and site-access monitoring. They questioned whether that item belonged on the consent list or needed to return for further consideration.
Other items covered a yearly wastewater oversight contract renewal and consulting services for sewer engineering oversight. A director told the Paterson City Council that a sewer overflow plan had been approved a couple of years earlier and offered to send members copies. Members discussed resurfacing on a lower section of one street and another stretch near the railroad; a separate section was not being paved because of a sewer issue. Once the agenda sorting was done, the council president moved to payment of bills. The summary does not record final votes on the items discussed.
Public comment: Religious reading and condemnation of “wicked” oppressors
Public comment before the Paterson City Council included a resident’s reading of a biblical psalm, rather than a request for a vote or a change in city policy. The speaker opened with a point of order and said the reading was directed at people the speaker called wicked oppressors in the city. The summary does not identify those people or tie the remarks to a specific agenda item.
The passage praised people who reject the advice of evildoers and take pleasure in religious law. It compared them to trees beside a river, bearing fruit in season and keeping their leaves. The resident used the reading to contrast that image with sinners, described as chaff carried away by the wind.
The resident went on to say that the godly are watched over while the path of the godless leads to doom. The speaker then indicated a wish to close. No specific action was requested of the Paterson City Council in connection with the reading, and the summary records no council decision in response.
Paterson City Council introduces sewer charge update
The Paterson City Council introduced a first-reading ordinance to adjust sewer use charges for inflation since 2021. Asked about $7.4 million in transitional aid, the business administrator said the city retained the amount and was found in substantial compliance; council members requested the full aid packet and details on remaining requirements.
Residents paying sewer charges have a direct stake in the rate update and the city’s pursuit of transitional aid.
Paterson City Council hears traffic and hit-and-run concerns
A resident told the Paterson City Council that a traffic diversion creates bottlenecks and asked for more enforcement and safer crosswalks. The speaker sought help finding camera footage after a reported hit-and-run and raised concerns about street-cleaning tickets and school bus drivers using phones.
Traffic patterns and enforcement affect daily trips, while camera footage could help identify a hit-and-run driver.
Paterson City Council hears criticism of virtual meetings
A resident told the Paterson City Council that developers benefit from political connections and criticized a switch to virtual planning meetings. The speaker described those allegations as crony capitalism and argued that religious references in politics have been used to justify oppression.
Planning meeting formats affect how residents can follow decisions about development.
Paterson City Council hears complaints about taxes and safety
A resident told the Paterson City Council that sewer bills and taxes were rising while the city remained unsafe, unclean and unaffordable. The speaker said they paid 15,000 a year in taxes, questioned council voting patterns and urged elected members to stop “playing games.”
Tax bills and sewer charges shape household costs, while street conditions and safety affect daily life.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Paterson had 18 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEPublic comment: Landlord disputes, alleged threats, and statement about an arrest warrant involving a council member. A resident identifying as a longtime Paterson landlord described being targeted by protests and threats and alleged misinformation on social media. The speaker claimed an arrest warrant had been signed for Councilman Michael Jackson and urged accountability, stating the matter had been pursued for two years.
- GOVERNANCEPublic comment: Environmental partnerships, tree planting, and sewage rate concerns. A speaker urged the City to maintain strong relationships with nonprofits and pursue environmental funding opportunities, including a New Jersey Forest Service conference and a tree planting initiative. The speaker also questioned sewage increases and raised concerns about respect and social media conduct by public officials’ family members.
- GOVERNANCEPublic comment: Veterans recognition and warnings about scams targeting veterans. A speaker identified as Deputy Mayor for Veteran Affairs thanked the Council for supporting a veterans-related resolution honoring an individual and discussed efforts to recognize Paterson veterans. The speaker warned veterans about scams involving emails, DD214 requests, and fake VA letters and urged caution with personal information.
- GOVERNANCESuspension of workshop and announcement of 8:00 p.m. special meeting on legal claims. The Council President announced the workshop agenda was complete and stated the meeting would be suspended/closed in preparation for a special meeting at 8:00 p.m. regarding legal cases/claims.
- GOVERNANCECouncil President closing remarks and request for audit/bond rating updates. Council President Mims thanked colleagues for attending and noted five of nine council members were present. The President requested that the Business Administrator provide updates regarding audits and the City’s bond rating status.
- GOVERNANCEPublic comment: Diabetes awareness and recognition of Paterson Diabetes Day (agenda item 10). A resident with diabetes spoke on agenda item 10, urging screening and community education. The speaker thanked Councilwoman Alford for recognizing November 14 as Paterson Diabetes Day alongside World Diabetes Day and asked residents to get screened, talk openly, and share stories to prevent complications.
- GOVERNANCERecognition of Lambda Theta Alpha (fraternity) for community service. Council presented an honor to Lambda Theta Alpha, described as a Latino organization serving Paterson through community service. Speakers highlighted the group’s work supporting the homeless and assisting with holiday meals, and the organization described its mission of leadership and unity.
- GOVERNANCEPublic comment: Profanity, meeting disruption rules, and removal from chambers. A speaker began by reading about profanity as protected speech and about disorderly conduct standards, then criticized statements made by others and referenced the budget law term “shall.” The Council President ruled the speaker out of order for profanity under city code and directed an officer to remove the speaker.
- GOVERNANCEResolution honoring Teresa Claudio as part of Paterson’s 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month observance. The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Council President Mims honoring Teresa Claudio as part of Paterson’s 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month observance. Multiple council members spoke in support, citing her long service in schools and the community.
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