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. The Council meetings are also available to watch on HTTV at http://www.hometownetv.org/pro/node/7. Please contact me at mmcternan@cityofsummit.org if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Reports, Presentations and Proclamations
Mayor Nora Radest reported several important events coming up in Summit, including the Street Smart Summit initiative, revised construction schedule in the downtown, public workshop for the Master Plan at the Connection on 9/13 at 7:30PM, an update on the lack of progress in Trenton on getting the construction on the Morris Avenue Bridge up and running and the Summit Free Market dates of 10/15 and 10/22. City Administrator Michael Rogers gave a recap on the summer season at the Aquatic Center, announced a Doggie Dip day at the pool on 9/17, updated the progress on the downtown improvement project and made a plea for volunteers for the various city committees that will be filled at the end of the year. Council President McTernan gave a brief history of Kent Place School, Oratory Prep, Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, and Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School as part of the Summit Historical Minute to coincide with back to school week. He also decried the Morris Avenue Bridge debacle, announcing that, with the delay, construction would most likely still be incomplete for the start of the 2017 school year.
There were several proclamations given by the Mayor at the Council Meeting. Mayor Radest presented the Daughters of the American Revolution, Beacon Hill Chapter, with a proclamation honoring Constitution Week, celebrated Volunteer First Aid Squad Month with a proclamation to Michael D’Ecclessis of the Summit First Aid Squad and finally, recognized Constantine Scerbo on the occasion of his 95th birthday.
Tony Somers, City Planner, gave a presentation on the Gateway Signs Upgrade Project.
Public Comments
Three residents voiced their concerns about the proposed privately funded Park Line Project.
Ordinances
There were no ordinances introduced or passed today.
Resolutions
Eighteen resolutions were passed at the Council Meeting this week. Council unanimously certified this year’s audit of City Hall, authorized the use of credit cards to pay city property taxes and sewer assessments, hired a grant writer to assist the city with finding federal, state, and county grant money and approved an agreement with Uber on a subsidized ride program pilot for Summit commuters to create a “virtual garage”, the first of its kind in the nation. In addition, Council approved hanging a banner at the Morris Avenue Bridge directing residents to finishthebridge.org (launching 9/15), providing directions for residents to voice their frustration to our state elected officials. Also, the Council approved by a 4-to-1 margin the Gateway Signage Project, generating a debate about the merits of the city spending the money on its own for implementation.
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.