November 1st, 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 Hometowne TV. Please contact me at mmcternan@cityofsummit.org if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Reports, Presentations and Proclamations
City Administrator Michael Rogers announced the City’s Affordable Housing Settlement was approved by the judge in the case and will now go to the Planning Board for implementation; the Department of Community Programs Holiday Camps were open for registration along with the Recreation wrestling and Basketball programs; and that an event, Dueling Pianos, will be held at the Grand Summit Hotel on November 17 to raise further funds for the Community Center renovation. Council President McTernan’s report highlighted Councilman’s Rubino appointment to the State University Hospital Board of Directors, the resumption of work at the Morris avenue Bridge after a four month delay, a flu shot program for residents on November 4 at the Summit Senior Housing Center, mail-in voting procedures with Union County as Election Day draws near, a generous $300,000 donation from good neighbor Celgene to Summit’s Community Center, and that City Administrator Michael Rogers was being recognized by the New Jersey Municipal Management Association for outstanding management. In addition, McTernan introduced Rachel Blume who presented a short history of the Summit Fire Department for the Summit Historical Minute.
Fire Chief Eric Evers gave a presentation on the Department’s current functions, changes in fire safety and goals. He informed Council and the public on the nature of emergency calls, how the department is structured and how new materials and building practices have caused fires to spread more rapidly and the challenges that creates for the Department.
Public Comments
There were no public comments at this week’s Council meeting.
Ordinances Two ordinances were introduced, one dealing with a typographical error on a law governing electronic amusement games, and the other to amend the approval process for the licensing of kennels, pet shops shelters and pounds to the State Department of Health.
Resolutions
Eighteen resolutions were passed at this week’s Council meeting. Standouts were the resolution naming the new Senior Van the “Miles McMahon Van” after Summit’s longtime resident; reclassifying parking spaces at the east end of Springfield Avenue as employee parking’ approving the Saturday after Thanksgiving as a free parking holiday; and with support from SDI, approving free 90-minute parking at the street meters for the two weeks prior to Christmas. In addition, Council approved an amended city personnel policy; the purchase of two garbage trucks; a new Police Sergeant appointment; and with one dissent, an approval to apply for a $1mm state grant for the first section of the privately funded Parkline, a discussion that saw one resident express some reservations while three, including former City Administrator Chris Cotter, speak in favor of the liner park.
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.