0:00The meeting prominently featured a proclamation honoring Kesha T. Dford for her contributions to education and her role as a leader. The proclamation, read by a commissioner, applauded Dford’s historic appointment as the first African American female executive county superintendent of schools for Passaic County in 2020. It detailed her educational background, including her degrees in political science and public administration, and outlined her various roles in educational institutions.

Following the reading, Dford was recognized with applause and expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the honor and reflecting on the challenges she faced over the past year. She thanked her colleagues, family, and supporters, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in her role. Dford stated, “We have to make sure that our kids are able to live in great safe places and they are able to go to schools that provide them with opportunities.” Her contributions were further acknowledged with citations from various officials, including a congresswoman, the County Clerk, and legislative representatives. The ceremony highlighted the presence of other notable figures, who attended to support Dford’s recognition.

15:08The commissioners then turned their attention to financial matters, discussing two bond ordinances aimed at enhancing Passaic County Community College. Bond Ordinance 2025 D2 proposed appropriating $4 million for various public improvements, while Bond Ordinance 2025 D3 focused on the acquisition of new equipment, furnishings, and information technology for the college, with an appropriation of $2,387,500. Both ordinances were subject to public hearings, during which no public comments were made. Each ordinance was subsequently adopted following unanimous roll call votes by the commissioners.

One commissioner provided a report on his recent attendance at a significant national meeting in Washington, D.C., where he participated in discussions about infrastructure funding. He highlighted the importance of funding received through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IJJA), which has benefitted Passaic County over the past four years. The commissioner expressed ongoing concerns about future infrastructure funding and shared his optimism following meetings with congressional representatives, noting the positive impact of these discussions on local projects like the Gateway tunnel.

The meeting also addressed routine matters such as budget transfers, the consent agenda, and personnel issues. The commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the Chief Financial Officer to execute budget transfers between the 2024 budget appropriations. The consent agenda, including a late starter resolution concerning a property purchase and sale agreement in Bloomingdale, was approved unanimously. Personnel matters were discussed, leading to the approval of the personnel agenda, and a bills list was presented and approved. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.