At the Common Council meeting on March 6, there will two presentations – the first by the Department of Community Services on its online permit tracking system and another on the Mayor’s Partnership for Public Art. There are also a number of finance-related ordinances for introduction and resolution by council. Summit Fire Department will present awards of recognition to organizations and businesses that provided assistance following the fire on December 31, 2017 at 125 Summit Avenue. Mayor Nora Radest will proclaim March as American Red Cross month.To view the complete Common Council agenda, go to: http://summitcitynj.iqm2.com/citizens.
On-Line Permit Tracking System Presentation
The Department of Community Services will present an overview of its new online permit tracking system program known as Spatial Data Logic. The software, launched by DCS on January 2, 2018, allows construction permit holders (and their authorized representatives) to track the status of permit applications or inspections. Although the process of moving from a paper-only system to a partial electronic system has been complicated, having information online will increase transparency and accountability.
Mayor’s Partnership for the Public Arts Presentation
Chairpersons of the Mayor’s Partnership for Public Art will make a presentation on the mission of the committee, its current and future projects, and overall goals. Not only does public art bring beauty to our community, many studies have shown that public art increases property values.
Finance Related Ordinances and Resolutions
An ordinance for introduction will allow the city to exceed the state mandated cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2018 from its current of rate of 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent and to bank any unused funds for the next two years. Similar types of ordinances and resolutions have been passed in prior years. Approval of the ordinance does not mean actual appropriation of funds, and banked funds would only be used in the event of an emergency. The hearing and vote on the ordinance will be held on March 20.
There are also financial resolutions for the issuance of temporary notes for approximately $1.6MM for school projects that will be repaid from anticipated grants from the State; and the consolidation of certain short-term bonds into a longer bond, which will have certain benefits for taxpayers.
There is a finance related ordinance from the Safety Committee that will be introduced, whereby the Fire Department will increase the fees it charges to insurance companies — not residents — for costs associated with different types of rescues. The hearing on this ordinance will be held on March 20.
Awards and Recognition
On December 31, 2017, the Summit Fire Department responded to a fire at 125 Summit Avenue, resulting in two residents being injured and 15 families displaced. The Fire Department will recognize six Summit firefighters and one police officer for their rescue efforts. The Fire Department will also recognize the Summit First Aid Squad and several local businesses and organizations that supported the Fire Department and the residents who were affected by the fire. We thank all those who were involved for the kindness and compassion shown to fellow members of our community.
Mayor Radest will proclaim March as American Red Cross month. Christy Hodde, Executive Director of the American Red Cross New Jersey Crossroads Chapter will accept the proclamation. We thank the Red Cross for all of its efforts on behalf of Summit citizens.
Upcoming Events
The public meeting for the Broad Street redevelopment project that was being held on Wednesday, March 7, at 7PM at St. Teresa’s Memorial Hall, 303 Morris Avenue is being rescheduled due to the inclement weather forecast for Wednesday. Rescheduled date TBA.
The first Council on the Road will be held at Wallace Chapel on March 27 at 7PM. Three additional sessions will be held this year; locations to be announced.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, March 20 at 7:30PM.