At the Common Council meeting on May 15, there will be a presentation by the Historic Preservation Commission on its efforts to protect and enhance Summit’s historic charm. Four ordinances related to financing of capital projects will be introduced for consideration, as well as the appointment of residents to the Economic Development Advisory Committee, reassigning members to the Zoning Board, authorizing a contract to purchase radios for the Fire Department, and awarding contracts for road and storm water management work. Mayor Radest will also issue a proclamation designating May 20 to 26 as Division of Public Works Week.
To view the complete Common Council agenda, go to: https://www.cityofsummit.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04172018-549?html=true
Historic Presentation Commission Presentation
There will be a presentation by HRC chairman Tom Conway. Summit is fortunate to have so many buildings and districts of historical significance. The presentation will discuss what commission does, and what its planning to or would like to do in the near term future, including, such things as, working on a review and update of historic districts, developing a citywide streetscape policy, and improving design guidelines. As redevelopment in areas throughout Summit proceeds, considering a streetscape that fits into the character of Summit is a priority. Residents strongly affirmed this during the Master Plan process.
Four Ordinances for Introduction
There are four ordinances for introduction. Each ordinance deals with financing certain capital expenditures through the issuance of bonds, including: (1) various improvements to municipally-owned facilities (e.g., Memorial Field tennis courts, signage and safety at the Transfer Station, purchase of rescue equipment for the Fire Department, purchase of vehicles for various departments), (2) upgrading the sewer system (e.g., improving a pumping station and pipelines), (3) resurfacing of parking lots and improving signage at various parking lots operated by the Parking Services Agency, and (4) resurfacing and reconstruction of various roads (e.g., Wallace Road, Hobart Avenue, Linden Place, Oakland Place, Laurel Avenue, and Larned Road). A hearing on these ordinances will held on June 5 and passage of these ordinances requires a two-thirds majority vote. Once respective projects are ready to proceed, council will have an additional opportunity to review the project and vote on approving it, or not.
Resolutions for Consideration
Economic Development Committee and Zoning Board: With the approval of an Economic Development Committee in April, council will begin the process of filling the seven resident positions with the appointment of four individuals of varied backgrounds. A long standing member of the Zoning Board, David Trone, has resigned. We thank him for his service. As a result, council will consider moving the first alternate member to full member status and all other alternate members will be moved up one position. Thank you to members of the zoning board for your continuing service.
New Radios for the Fire Department: The purchase of new radios for the Fire Department is part of the final communication transition plan with the new dispatch communications center in New Providence. Monies for the purchase of these radios had been authorized in prior capital budgets.
Road and Storm water Projects: Three resolutions will address different infrastructure projects. These resolutions are to award a bid to a contractor to complete improvement work on Plymouth Road, award a bid to a contractor to replace a storm water ejector pump, and award a bid to a contractor to micro-surface 15 streets and two Board of Education parking lots.
Proclamation: The Mayor will proclaim the week of May 20 to 26 as Division of Public Works Week. As this agenda summary and recent storms demonstrate, the Division of Public Works has a significant role in city-wide maintenance. Through this proclamation we recognize their hard work and service to our community.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 5 at 7:30PM.
The next Council on the Road event will be on June 13 at 7PM at the First Aid Squad Building.