0:00The meeting commenced with a celebratory atmosphere as the board recognized Irish heritage. A notable moment was the invocation by Father Ryan, who humorously prepared for the occasion by getting a haircut, acknowledging the presence of nuns. This set a tone of respect and camaraderie, emphasized further by the presentation of proclamations to two distinguished community members, Ursula Eret and Sister Colleen Clare, for their longstanding contributions.

Ursula Eret was celebrated as the 2025 Irish Woman of the Year. Her proclamation detailed her journey from Brooklyn to becoming a cherished educator in the Wayne School System. At 93, she expressed gratitude for the recognition.

Sister Colleen Clare was similarly honored for her exceptional service as a member of the Celian Sisters since 1992 and her leadership roles in education. The proclamation celebrated her achievements, including her tenure as principal of St. Anthony’s School and her current role as mother provincial. Sister Colleen acknowledged the collective efforts of the Celian Sisters and their shared Irish heritage. The acknowledgment of traditional Irish celebrations at local establishments like Duffy’s Tavern added a communal spirit to the proceedings.

19:12In addition to these celebratory recognitions, the meeting addressed administrative matters. The board discussed and unanimously approved a resolution to exceed the county budget appropriation limits, establishing a cap bank in accordance with New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 48. This procedural decision was made smoothly, with the commissioners temporarily suspending regular business to facilitate the discussion. Following a brief recess, the board adopted this resolution without opposition.

Public engagement on the 2025 cap resolution was minimal, as no attendees stepped forward during the public comment period. The commissioners then proceeded to adopt the 2025 state county budget, again with unanimous support. This seamless approval process underscored the efficient collaboration between the County Clerk, the County Auditor, and the board members, who were particularly appreciative of the County Auditor’s role in facilitating the budgetary approvals.

A notable moment of the meeting was the commemoration of Bob Lions, a prominent community figure whose contributions spanned over fifty years. His involvement with state police organizations and local law enforcement marked him as a “true credit to Passaic County.” Board members expressed their condolences and shared personal anecdotes, highlighting Lions’ commitment to family and service alongside his jovial nature.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board addressed upcoming elections, reminding voters in Bloomingdale of the school bond ordinance election. Administrative tasks were concluded with the authorization of the Chief Financial Officer to execute budget transfers, and the consent agenda passed without any items being pulled for separate discussion, leading to a streamlined approval process for multiple resolutions.