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 spoke about 3 League of Municipality $1000 scholarships available to high school Juniors and Seniors, announced a meeting to update the community on the Rec Center renovation on 3/2, advertised the Meet the Mayor coffee on 2/25 from 10:00 – 11:30 and thanked the community for their patience with the roads during the recent snowstorms and the effort of city staff in cleanup. Michael Rogers in his City Administration report gave details on the city’s snow removal effort, outlined the plan for continued Deforest Ave. construction work, highlighted the PAL Ping Pong Tournament at the Rec Center on 2/24, announced the DCP summer program signups and reminded people to post their snowman creation to the Department of Community Programs’ Facebook page. Sophie Reitz-Bourne presented the Summit Historical Minute on the Women of Summit’s contribution to the war effort during WWI. And finally, Council President McTernan eulogized former Mayor, Councilman and Freeholder Frank Lehr, a longtime Summit resident and great person who passed away last week.
Public Comments
There were no public comments at this week’s Council meeting.
Ordinances
A hearing was held on a bond ordinance authorizing the city to set aside $6.5 mm and to borrow $6.175 mm as part of that for the upcoming renovation of the Community Center. Subsequently, the ordinance was passed unanimously.
Resolutions
28 resolutions were passed at this week’s Council meeting. Highlights included the approval of a shared service agreement with New Providence for a city Tax Assessor; the retainer of two city planners, one to focus on day to day work and one to work with the city on potential redevelopment opportunities; the purchase of firefighter turn out gear; and the authorization of cooperative bidding for supply purchasing. Some debate centered on a resolution authorizing the city to ask for quotes only to provide a server and tablets to certain city employees, Mayor and Council, which would potentially allow the Council meeting process to go paperless. Conversation centered on upfront cost versus potential cost savings, environmental impact, efficiency and security upgrades as well as burdening future office seekers with having to purchase their own equipment. In the end, by a split vote Council authorized city staff to determine how much this would cost.
Council Comments
Councilman Naidu and Councilman Hurley also spoke fondly of Frank Lehr during the comment period. Councilwoman Ogden announced the Love the Library gala at the Grand Summit Hotel on March 2. Finally, Council President McTernan gave a plug for the upcoming musical at the high school, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, with shows running from March 1 to 4.
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.