Kenneth M. Hirmann

The board meeting included an administrative report with an update from the interim president of the county community college regarding new science courses and facility usage. Key actions included the adoption of the 2026 county budget and the suspension of the regular order of business to facilitate this. Commissioner reports highlighted the participation of the county technical vocational schools in a culinary competition, ongoing efforts to lower the threshold for project labor agreements to support local unions, and upcoming graduation events. The public portion of the meeting featured discussions on the ecological significance of a local reservation, concerns regarding the removal of barberry shrubs and its impact on the park habitat, and a request to recognize historical figures instrumental in the park's development.

This 3-year strategic plan for the Passaic County Emergency Food System aims to enhance food security by improving coordination, data collection, and service delivery among emergency food providers. Key components include creating a digital food access map, incorporating lived experience into strategies, developing best practices guides, offering technical assistance, establishing standardized metrics for tracking, and fostering coalition building. The overarching goal is to reduce food insecurity, improve service delivery, and build a resilient emergency food system that caters to the diverse needs of Passaic County residents.

The committee discussed and took action on development review applications. This included granting a waiver for parking proximity and conditional approval for a proposed mixed-use development on Center Avenue in Little Falls. Additionally, an unconditional approval was granted for the Mancini Subdivision located on Houston Road in Little Falls.

The committee performed development reviews for two projects. For the Kievit Road Subdivision in Wayne, a lot line adjustment for a garage and driveway was granted conditional approval, along with granted waivers for sidewalk installation, driveway location on a county roadway, and proximity to an intersection. For the ON3 Chipotle Subdivision in Clifton, a subdivision to accommodate a new restaurant and internal roadways received unconditional approval.

The meeting included reports and updates from various subcommittees regarding training, emergency shelter planning and code blue preparations, data quality and HMIS reporting, and coordinated entry transition. The council reviewed proposed bylaw revisions, discussed the establishment of a Nominations Committee, and analyzed potential federal policy changes regarding executive orders, housing requirements, and diversity, equity, and inclusion guidelines. Additionally, the council addressed planning for the upcoming point-in-time count and departmental transition updates for coordinated entry programs.