The meeting opened with a celebration of Black History Month, introduced by a commissioner who emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of African-Americans in shaping American history. The theme for the 2026 event was “a centennial of contributions and collective efforts to the black culture,” commemorating 100 years since the inception of Black History Month in the United States. The celebration included an invocation focusing on courage and resilience, followed by the choir’s rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and a notable poem by Ashanti Johnson Pope. Her performance intertwined personal family experiences with broader cultural themes, celebrating the resilience and legacy of African-Americans.

A commissioner presented the first proclamation to Dr. K. Banks, acknowledging her as an esteemed educator and community advocate. Dr. Banks graciously accepted the honor. Her dedication to education and mentorship has left a lasting impact on the community, a sentiment echoed by the Board of Commissioners.

Dr. Judith Foster was recognized for her extensive work in social services over more than five decades. Her contribution to re-entry services, particularly through founding programs like Project Reconnect at the county jail, was highlighted. Commissioner Mike Ramlia emphasized the importance of acknowledging the achievements of African-Americans in shaping the county’s history. Dr. Foster expressed her gratitude, reflecting on the legacy of those who came before her and calling for continued efforts in community support.

Lola Patterson was honored for her 36 years of service with the New Jersey Association of Corrections. The proclamation acknowledged her leadership in rehabilitation programs for justice-involved women. Patterson expressed her gratitude, attributing her service to the support of her family, church community, and colleagues.

Howard H. Horton, CEO of Eva’s Village, was recognized for his contributions to public education and community service. A first-generation college graduate, Horton credited his achievements to the collective efforts of the community. He recounted the resilience displayed by community members during recent storms. Horton’s work with Eva’s Village has had a profound impact on local anti-poverty initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in community development.

The meeting also addressed routine business matters, including the unanimous approval of two bond ordinances. The first ordinance allocated $22 million for public improvements, infrastructure repairs, and equipment purchases, while the second provided $4.5 million for exterior restoration work on the Passaic County Courthouse annex. Both projects are partially funded by state grants, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance the county’s infrastructure.

A concern was raised regarding a city council agenda item proposing a traffic change that could impact access to the Board of Social Services. The director agreed to investigate the matter further with the county engineer, addressing potential implications for county roads.