The proposal to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections was a focal point of discussion. Councilman Luis A. Quintana questioned the rationale behind allowing young individuals to vote but not to run for office, comparing it to the age requirements for the US presidency. Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. supported the voting age expansion to increase civic engagement among youth.

The discussion extended to whether undocumented residents should be allowed to vote in school board elections, a point supported by Councilman Ramos and Councilman Carlos M. Gonzalez. Ultimately, the council decided to seek guidance from the New Jersey School Boards Association on the age qualifications for board service.

The council also deliberated on several ordinances aiming to improve traffic safety by designating multi-way stop intersections across various wards. Councilman Patrick O. Council and Councilman C. Lawrence Crump sponsored these initiatives, with further information provided on the non-residential zones targeted for the new signage.

Cannabis business operations were another key topic, with three entities seeking the council’s endorsement. A councilmember voiced his support, following a committee’s review that found no issues with the proposed locations and operations, which were confirmed to be situated in industrial zones.

The appointment of an interim qualified purchasing agent, Miss Phyllis Glanton, was met with unanimous approval. Councilmembers praised her ascent through the ranks of the purchasing department and her immersion in the field.

City infrastructure maintenance, particularly the repair and replacement of elevators, called for a detailed explanation from Dolores Wooden, the Director of the Department of Engineering. She outlined a comprehensive approach, including emergency contracts and long-term planning, which Councilman Gonzalez scrutinized to ensure cost-effectiveness and maintenance quality.

Affordable housing was also a significant theme, with Councilman Dupre L Kelly calling for a postponement of a development project in the central Ward, and Councilman Gonzalez suggesting a reevaluation of property pricing for fairness and transparency. The Deputy Mayor, Alison Ladd, defended the allocation of development projects, emphasizing the importance of diversity among developers in the city’s affordable housing efforts.

The public comment section revealed community concerns, ranging from tax abatement non-compliance to calls for administrative resignations over perceived failures in addressing homelessness. The council’s response to illegal activities in a building on Fifth Avenue was critiqued by Councilman Council, who demanded action against the management for alleged neglect and exploitation of residents. This matter had court involvement, and the council was actively working on legal remedies and inspections.

The session concluded with plans for an executive session to discuss the recognition of January as Muslim American Month and the recent passing of a local religious leader, Imam Hassan Sharim.