At the Common Council meeting on July 10, there will be a presentation by representatives from the Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties regarding its proposed capital plan. There will be hearings on two ordinances. The first will be on additional stop signs at five intersections in town, and the other on revisions on permitted uses for first floor downtown businesses. There are resolutions on (a) a deed restriction on Division of Public Works property to avoid active soil remediation, (b) continuation of shared services agreements with New Providence for sewer and wastewater infrastructure, (c) the creation of a Transfer Station task force, (d) an authorization to engage Topology to work on phase two of Broad Street West redevelopment, and (e) authorization to lease and purchase police equipment.
To view the complete Common Council agenda, go to: https://www.cityofsummit.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07102018-571?html=true
Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties Presentation
Representatives from the Joint Meeting will provide a presentation on its proposed capital budget. The Joint Meeting was started in the 1890s as a means of different communities working together to address wastewater. It was then recognized by the State of New Jersey as an organized entity, and is comprised of member communities that are owners of a wastewater treatment plant, supporting structures and equipment. It will be useful for both council and residents to learn about the Joint Meeting and the role of Summit in it.
Ordinance Hearings
The first ordinance for hearing will on revisions to the types of businesses permitted as a right in the downtown. Among the new permitted uses are indoor recreation, performing arts, wineries and breweries, and events related to the arts. Additionally, the proposed ordinance specifies that downtown construction is subject to architectural and design guidelines. This ordinance is intended to address feedback from the community gathered during the Master Plan process that there should be other uses permitted to bring people and new businesses into the downtown. The second ordinance for hearing concerns the placement of stop signs to increase safety on residential streets, and reduce speeding. Stop signs are proposed for Whittredge Road and Hobart Avenue, Whittredge Road and Essex Road, Lafayette Avenue and Madison Avenue, Maple Street and Oakland Place, and Plymouth Road and Silver Lake Drive. This ordinance would result in three additional four-way stops, and two additional stop signs at intersections in town.
Resolutions for Consideration
Deed Restriction. There is a resolution to place a deed restriction on Division of Public Works property on Chatham Road. There is contamination on this city-owned property, and instead of conducting an expensive soil removal operation the city is permitted to place a restriction on the future use of the property with the obligation to continue to monitor the property and obtain permission before conducting any ground penetrating work.
Shared Services Agreements. There is a resolution to continue a shared services agreement between New Providence and Summit for the operation and maintenance of the wastewater pump station from July 1 to December 31, 2018, while a new contract is negotiated going into effect on the first of the year. There is a second resolution for a shared services agreement with New Providence that involves use of its licensed sewer operator.
Broad Street West Redevelopment. The city has issued a Request for Qualifications from developers. As the city moves forward with phase two of the redevelopment process, it is necessary to have professional and real estate advisory services, including the creation of a redevelopment plan for the designated properties. If approved, the city’s current redevelopment advisor, Topology, would perform these advisory services for an estimated $70,000. This process is intended to keep city advisors independent of developers.
Transfer Station Task Force. The city will have to complete a remedial investigation and work plan for future site work and property use. Council is requesting community input on what those uses should be. However, the resolution makes clear that transfer station and recycling operations will continue; and council would like to know about the possibilities for active and passive recreational uses, as well as environmental education uses. Five residents will serve on the committee, along with representatives from the Department of Community Programs, Environmental Commission and Recycling Advisory committees.
Hometown Heroes. Council will hear an update on the Hometown Heroes program. In addition, Council will vote on approving a second year of the program and to expand the program, including the location of the banners, given the immense interest in it.
Police Equipment Lease/Purchase. Council will consider two requests from the Police Department. One is to lease four new vehicles and the other is to purchase police radios.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, July 31th at 7:30PM. The next Council on the Road event will be on July 11 at 7PM at the First Aid Squad Building on 1000 Summit Avenue.