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. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like additional information: mmcternan@cityofsummit.org
Presentations
Summit High School student Gabbi Friedman presented the Summit Historical Minute on Edwin Votes, a Summit resident and inventor of the player piano. Lawton C. Johnson Middle School student Zachary Brooks was honored with a proclamation for his work in the community promoting Autism Awareness Month. Frank Juliano gave an update on Reeves-Reed Arboretum, announcing the new visitor center would be opening on Sunday 4/24 to service the 100,000 annual visitors to this Summit treasure, and Phil Abramson, from Topology, our Master Plan consultant, gave an interesting presentation on parklets, temporary mini-parks that could be put in the downtown, a concept that will be explored further by council and SDI.
Public Comments
Several residents expressed their concerns about the process for approval of phase 2 of the Wilson Park Improvement Project and of the project itself, which includes an option for a turf small-sided soccer field. One resident spoke in favor of it. There will be a public meeting about the project on Monday 4/25 in the Whitman Room at City Hall. Residents were assured that there would be plenty of opportunity for public input as the project will be reviewed anew by council.
Ordinances
Four were approved: One doubling the fine to $50 for failure to shovel sidewalks after snowstorms, one establishing a Cap bank, which gives the municipality the taxing authority to exceed the appropriations cap if need be, one amending the parking ordinances by removing a single space on Springfield Ave across from Winberries, and one modifying the licensing fees for restaurants.
Two ordinances were introduced: One allowing parking at the Memorial Field lot for park use only, and another removing the ability to park on Kent Place Blvd between Norwood and Morris. A hearing to review both ordinances will be held on May 3.
Resolutions
There were several resolutions passed. The highlights were concurring of the School Budget, establishing a hearing date on May 17 for the Special Improvement District Budget, authorizing payment from our Affordable Housing Trust Fund for repairs at 2 Weaver Street, authorizing the purchasing of playground equipment at the community pool and approving the Arbor Day celebration in town.
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.