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://hometownetv.org/content/watch-httv. Please contact me at mmcternan@cityofsummit.org if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Reports, Presentations, and Proclamations
The Mayor discussed the new winter market and the process for the ordinance revisions to implement the Master Plan, announced the Free Market dates on 4/29 and 5/6, asked people to contact beth.t.lovejoy@gmail.com to learn what they could do for Earth Day, spoke about three League of Municipality $1000 scholarships available to high school Juniors and Seniors, and let people know about the next Forum on Diversity on 2/6. Michael Rogers, in his City Administration report, outlined the 2017 budget process, the timeline for repairs of the Tier Garage and the work to be completed on Deforest Avenue, and how Summit residents can ask the city for a free tree to be planted on their property. Council President McTernan gave a history of Summit’s affordable housing legacy, highlighting some of the early setbacks of the 1930’s through the 1950’s, but the successful embrace by the city since 1967.
Public Comments
Rob Walton, from JCP&L, announced a 6% rate hike for electricity in Summit, the first hike in 10 years, to help foster further investment in our electric infrastructure.
Ordinances
Hearings were held on two ordinances and passed by the Common Council: changing the process to appoint the City Solicitor by resolution rather than ordinance, and ordering the City to vacate a drainage easement on a piece of private property. In addition, an ordinance was introduced approving a $6.5MM bond ordinance to construct the new Summit Community Center.
Resolutions
Twenty-five resolutions were passed at this week’s Council meeting. Highlights included the adoption of the Planning Board’s approved resolution supporting the Affordable Housing settlement negotiated by the city with Fair Share Housing to shield the city from Mount Laurel lawsuits while continuing the Summit tradition of promoting affordable housing. Many residents, including members of the Interfaith Council, voiced their support of the agreement. In addition, the Council agreed to amend the capital plan to allow for the Community Center Bond Ordinance, authorized a professional service agreement to implement a replacement of the bleachers at Investors Bank Field, allowed the library to serve wine at a fundraiser, and approved the purchase of various commodities through cooperatives of which the city is a member.
Council Comments
Councilman Naidu promoted the Cycle for Survival fundraiser at Equinox on 2/4. Dr. Rubino mentioned that the Park Line agreement was approved by the Freeholders. Councilman Sun gave an update on the Joint Meeting, reporting that their budget would rise by over 4% due to a large jump in healthcare expenses and prepared the city for a larger allocation of costs due to demographic changes to be implemented soon. Finally, Councilwoman Ogden congratulated the 30+ National Merit Scholars and their teacher mentors at the last BOE meeting.
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.