Common Council Meeting Summary
September 20, 2016
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. Please contact me at mmcternan@cityofsummit.org if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Reports, Presentations and Proclamations
Mayor Radest gave an update on the Morris Avenue Bridge, urging residents to go to finishthebridge.org to lobby our legislators to come to a solution of the TTF issue as well as the Master Plan public meeting and the next steps in the process. City Administrator Michael Rogers announced the remaining schedule for the downtown paving project, the installation of 22 wayfinding signs, the 10/10th curbside leaf collection start date and the closing of the tier garage on 9/23rd. Council President McTernan’s historical minute focused on the early rail line through Summit. Finally Police Chief Weck informed everyone how the Summit Police Department coordinates with State and Federal law enforcement to deal with threats to our community.
Mayor Radest congratulated the Summit Steps Team for winning the 2016 Six Flags National Championship.
Public CommentsSteve Bowman voiced support for the Fairness Formula for Equal School Funding and Property Tax Relief
Ordinances
Three Ordinances were introduced for hearing date on 10/5th. The first was to establish a mid-block crosswalk on Springfield Ave down at the Park & Ride. The following two introduced ordinances limited parking to 2 hours on William Street and then on Cromwell Parkway, Blair Place, Nassau Drive, and Dorset Lane respectively.
ResolutionsTwenty-nine resolutions were passed at this week’s Council Meeting. Highlights include Council unanimously approving the corrective action steps from this year’s audit of City Hall, the appointment of two new volunteer firemen, and the authorization to charge non-residents a $20 parking fee for this year’s Far Hills Races. By a 6-0 vote with 1 abstention, Council approved a resolution supporting the Fairness Formula for Equal School Funding, which would weight state aid equally on a per capita basis, potentially resulting in a 20% reduction in Summit’s property taxes as well as forcing reform to the state school funding formula.
Items for Discussion, Action or Referral
SDI requested free parking in the downtown the Saturday after Thanksgiving and for two weeks prior to Christmas. Members of Council discussed the pros and cons with the public and will deliberate further on the proposal.
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.