Updates, Promotions, & Proclamations
Prior to the start of the business portion of the meeting, updates were provided by Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, MD, City Administrator Michael Rogers, and Council President Lisa Allen, offering insights into the status of city services and future directions.
Our special guest for the Historical Minute was Lindsay Thomas, a senior at Summit High School, who presented "Women in a Progressive Era," shedding light on the significant contributions of women during this pivotal time in history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEGTiopZdlc
Mayor Fagan conducted a swearing in ceremony for the promotion of Fire Department Lieutenant Brian Harnois to Fire Battalion Chief, and Firefighter Brian Tavis to Fire Lieutenant. Congratulations to our fine emergency responders, you make Summit proud.
Executive Director Jackie Kondel accepted a proclamation from Mayor Fagan, declaring March 24 as Reeves Reed Arboretum Day in celebration of their 50th Anniversary. We were honored to have Jackie with us to recognize one of Summit’s most special venues.
Presentations: NJ League of Municipalities and Summit Police Department
Michael Cerra, Executive Director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, provided an update on Legislative Bill A4. The new Affordable Housing bill aims to dissolve COAH and split responsibilities between the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Administrative Office of Courts.
Significant concerns include jeopardizing local zoning laws; shortens municipalities immunity nearly six months which increases exposure to lawsuits; fails to evaluate the impact on schools/green space/storm water flooding/traffic; methodology does not currently recognize Round 3 development and is unclear how housing numbers will be determined.
Concerned residents can attend the Senate Budget Appropriations (SBA) hearing on Monday, March 11, at 10AM in Trenton, or contact each member of the SBA committee. Monday is the only public hearing prior to the final vote on March 18, 2024. https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/committees/senatecommittees?committee=SBA
Next, Captain Ryan Peters and Officer David Kotiga introduced two exciting new safety initiatives:
Open Public Comment (for items not on the council meeting agenda) Residents shared concerns about Tatlock lights as an item in the proposed Capital Budget and inquired about potential development for the firehouse lot.
Ordinances and Resolutions
Law and Labor Chair Bob Pawlowski held a hearing for two ordinances. The first ordinance #24-3307 amends the city code to designate the Chief of Police as Custodian of Records. The second ordinance #24-3308 amends the city code to add two alternate members to the Rent Commission. Both ordinances were passed.
Finance Chair Andy Minegar introduced ordinance #11099. If approved, it will allow the city to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a CAP Bank. The hearing date is March 19, 2024.
Capital Projects Chair Delia Hamlet introduced resolution #11046. It authorizes a bid advertisement for curbside collection and marketing of recycling materials. The city currently has an annual contract with Grand Sanitation for $840,800.00, which includes daily and single stream collection for up to 8,000 residential dwellings and 17 school and government buildings.
Other resolutions that passed covered emergency appropriations, grant applications, and authorizations for various city projects and initiatives.
Consent Agenda
The council approved items related to city events, ADA ramp projects, shared dispatch center assessments, tax and parking refunds, and the payment of bills and payroll.
Items for Discussion, Action, or Referral
Department of Community Services Director Aaron Schrager gave an update regarding the request for on-street dining for Maple Street. Director Schrager stated that due to the substantial amount of work needed to determine the feasibility and legality of closing a non-state roadway, he is unable to approve the request. Therefore, outdoor dining on Maple Street in 2024 is not being considered currently. If a decision is made to close any street in Summit for outdoor dining permanently or seasonally, city administration have been tasked with ensuring that it is carried out in a safe and legal manner and a traffic study is completed. The Common Council is committed to taking all necessary steps to engage the public, consider opinions, and ensure that any such closure is implemented responsibly.
Watch the entire March 5, 2024, Common Council meeting here.
The next Common Council meeting will be held in the Council Chamber at City Hall on Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30PM.