The most pressing topic was the council’s discussion over the city’s garbage collection services. Concerns were raised about the current contract, which had reduced garbage pickup from six days to two days, leading to an increase in rat sightings downtown. One council member described the proliferation of rats as a severe problem, with videos showing them emerging from stores and restaurants due to the garbage backlog. The council members expressed frustration, emphasizing that residents deserved better service. The current contract’s inadequacy and the administration’s lack of immediate action were focal points of criticism. One council member emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “We want to see a clean downtown and we want action.”

Another council member pointed out that the garbage collection company, Filco, was extending its services month by month without a formal contract, further complicating the situation. The council debated potential solutions, including hiring a private company for bulk pickups, as the administration reportedly lacked the manpower to manage the current system effectively. The urgency of voting on the contract with Filco was underscored, with council members noting the potential repercussions of failing to approve it, including a worsening garbage situation.

Infrastructure projects were another major topic, with discussions surrounding the improvements on River Street, which is set to receive over $9 million in funding. A council member emphasized the need for clear communication with residents and business owners about potential road closures and detours to mitigate challenges. There were also concerns about the management of contracts related to road resurfacing efforts. A council member suggested that the city could save money by hiring a full-time engineer rather than relying on external contractors, proposing that experienced city employees could oversee projects effectively, thus avoiding unnecessary expenditures.

The council also addressed the issue of flooding on 18th Avenue. One council member highlighted that every time it rains, 18th Avenue gets flooded, emphasizing the need for the $3.6 million investment aimed at addressing this issue. The vote on this matter resulted in four affirmatives, one negative, and four absences, leading to the approval of the item.

In addition to infrastructure and garbage collection, the council discussed various community-related items. Resolutions were passed to designate weeks for Dominican and Puerto Rican Heritage, with plans for flag-raising ceremonies and parades. These resolutions received strong support from council members, who emphasized the importance of celebrating the contributions of these communities to Paterson.

The council also honored local figures, including Richard Coretta, who was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, and Frankie Ruiz, a musician with deep ties to Paterson. A resolution to rename a section of Summer Street in Ruiz’s honor received unanimous support. Council members shared personal anecdotes and expressed gratitude for Coretta’s contributions to the community, emphasizing the importance of community service.

Further, the council discussed amendments to the filming permit regulations, proposing increased fees to ensure fair compensation for local businesses affected by filming activities. There were concerns about the impact of filming on businesses, particularly regarding street closures and lack of compensation. The council agreed to revisit the ordinance for further discussion to address these concerns adequately.

The meeting also included public comments, with residents expressing frustration over various issues, including illegal dumping, inadequate municipal services, and parking violations. One resident highlighted the deteriorating conditions of the Rogers building, urging the council to support a $500,000 allocation for design work to address these issues. Another resident voiced frustrations with the Department of Public Works regarding unaddressed requests to prune a shade tree and parking issues in their neighborhood.