Yonette Fredericks

The board meeting featured a recognition of the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year from Manchester Regional High School. A presentation was provided by the New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action concerning gun safety initiatives, including the 'Be Smart' framework and the designation of sensitive places as gun-free zones. Additionally, board members provided reports on community events, such as the upcoming annual Art in the Park, and highlighted public works efforts, specifically the installation of traffic safety beacons in the city of Paterson to enhance pedestrian safety.

The board held a meeting featuring a celebration of Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which included cultural performances by students and the presentation of proclamations and certificates of recognition to distinguished community members for their contributions to healthcare, behavioral health, education, and community service.

The committee discussed and granted conditional approval for the conversion of the second and third floors of an existing building at 255 Main Street into six apartment units while maintaining ground floor retail. Additionally, unconditional approval was granted for a subdivision at 74-152 8th Street to accommodate the future construction of a warehouse development.

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.