At the Common Council meeting on April 3, there will three presentations (Summit Free Market, Technology Advisory Committee, and on the city’s new on-line permitting system); four ordinances for introduction (increasing fees at 90-minute meters in the downtown, changes in the sewer fee authorization process, changes in parking on Lowell Avenue, and sale of unused city land); and resolutions regarding the approval of an agreement for the construction of the Summit Free Market building, the creation of an Economic Development Committee and an increase in the maximum number of Lyft participants in the city’s ridesharing program. To view the complete Common Council agenda, go to: http://summitcitynj.iqm2.com/citizens.
Three Presentations
There will three separate presentations: (1) Students and adult supervisors will make a presentation on the Summit Free Market. The Free Market will be held on April 28 and May 5 from 8AM to 3PM at the Municipal Transfer Station. The Summit Free Market is a win-win-win. This very popular program reduces waste and positively impacts the environment. It reduces tipping fees and costs to the city for disposing of solid waste. It is also a resource for many Summit residents who need the reusable items that are shared by others. (2) The Technology Advisory Committee will make a presentation on the activities its committee. Among the issues they will cover are the ridesharing contract and the on-line permitting software. (3) The Department of Community Services will make a presentation on its on-line permit tracking system through a new software program (known as Spatial Data Logic). The software allows people to track the status of construction and building permit applications or inspections.
Four Ordinances for Introduction
There will be four ordinances introduced: (1) An increase in the hourly-parking rate for the 90-minute meters in the downtown to incentivize turnover and encourage parking in the Deforest Avenue Park & Shop lots; (2) To prohibit parking on the north side of Lowell Avenue between Morris Avenue and Montrose Avenue from 3PM to 10PM; (3) A change authorization for sewer user fees from ordinances to resolutions; and (4) To sell a portion of unused property on Summit Avenue by the First Aid Squad to Manuel and Adriana Costeira. A public hearing on these ordinances will be held at the April 17 Common Council meeting.
Authorization for a Permanent Summit Free Market Building
A resolution will be considered to approve an agreement between the city and the Summit Conservancy for the construction of permanent Summit Free Market building at the Municipal Transfer Station. Council had first supported the concept of building a permanent structure to house the freecycle event in 2014. The Summit Conservancy has offered to raise funds and construct the building with the city with the city providing labor and in-kind services.
Creation of Economic Development Committee
A resolution will be considered to create an Economic Development Committee to help position our city for future years and maintain a strong financial base. The committee will consider land use, zoning, economic and technology trends, vacant and underutilized properties, and regional economic initiatives for now and the near-term future. For example, this year the municipal budget had a 0% increase for 2018 that was achieved, in part, by a $25Million increase in the municipal tax base.
Increasing Participation in Lyft
A resolution will be considered to expand the Lyft program from a maximum of 200 participants to 250 participants. The program will also be expanded to include the approximately 130 Summit residents that work in the downtown. The cost per ride with Lyft has decreased than with Uber providing the ridesharing technology platform for the city, and data indicates a considerable increase in use among residential commuters.
Recognition
Due to a snowstorm, recognition by council of the firefighters, emergency services personnel, businesses and non-profits that provided invaluable assistance during and following the 2017 New Year’s Eve fire at 125 Summit Avenue. On Tuesday evening, we will finally be able to properly recognize these individuals and organizations.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30PM.