While members of Common Council always appreciate when citizens are able to attend our meetings, we understand that often our constituents are unable to do so. Following is my summary with some highlights from the meeting on Tuesday night. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like additional information: mmcternan@cityofsummit.org
Presentations
Mayor Radest touched on several topics during her report: she updated the progress of the Master Plan, highlighting the survey and questionnaires for residents, gave an update on the Morris Ave Bridge, which is entering its 3rd week of delay, spoke about the city’s leveraging of the PGA event at Baltusrol, including the 19th hole party on Beechwood the 28th, and finally announced that the recent Council approved parklet pilot would be installed in front of Batavia and Tito’s shortly. Council President McTernan announced the turf replacement at Investor’s field was on schedule, updated the public on the DCP events on the green and announced the National Night Out event for August 2nd. In the Historical Minute, McTernan recounted the history of the Muni, a project thankfully approved by a 6-1 vote of Council back in 1965.
Paul Cascais, the Director of the Department of Community Services gave a presentation updating the public on efforts to date to improve the permitting process at City Hall. They are about half way through a plan on upgrading the customer experience and will have final recommendations in the 4th quarter.
Aaron Schrager, City Engineer, gave an entertaining but informative update on the city’s sewer system, urging residents not to flush anything but sewage down the drain.
Public Comments
3 residents of West End Ave spoke about their concern about speeding in their neighborhood, especially due to high school commuters.
Ordinances
There were no ordinances introduced or passed today.
Assessment Hearings
Hearings on the assessments associated with the road and sidewalk improvements on Essex, Magnolia, Primrose, Montview, Surrey, Fairview, Fernwood and Ridge were held.
Resolutions
Thirty-six resolutions were passed at this week’s Council Meeting. Highlights include approving the road and sidewalk assessments, appointing two new police officers to fill vacant positions, and approving installation of a new sound system at Investors. The most discussed resolution was the approval of a license agreement with NJDOT which gives the city the ability to pursue the privately funded development of the Park Line project, which as discussed in past presentations and at public meetings, would convert in stages the dormant rail line from Bryant Park to Broad Street near the Salerno Duane Car dealership to a linear park. 6 residents gave their unanimous endorsement of moving forward and while there was some discussion as to the city’s liability around the project, the resolution was approved 6-1 by Council.
Please note: This summary document is for informational purposes only and is not a record of the official action taken by Common Council. Approved meeting minutes constitute the only record of official City of Summit Common Council action. The minutes of the meetings will be available after they are approved by the Common Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting.