Common Council Meeting Summary
May 3, 2016
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. The recorded meeting is also available on HTTV.
Presentations
Summit High School student Ben Golding presented the Summit Historical Minute on the etymology of Whittredge Road and Hillcrest Avenue. Mayor Nora Radest read a proclamation announcing May as National Lifesaving and Water Safety Month in Summit, while announcing with Shark Diddy the opening date for the Summit Family Aquatic Center for May 28. Summit resident Annette Dwyer also spoke of the thought provoking event at the Summit High School last week, OM3D, and the role of Shaping Summit Together within the community. Finally, there was a moment of silence for Luis Pinzon, a Summit municipal worker who tragically passed away while on the job last month.
Public Comments
During Public comments, Rob Walton, from JCP&L, announced that the utility had petitioned Trenton for a rate increase of approximately 6% for the average household for electricity delivery. A couple of residents questioned Mayor Radest’s decision not to re-appoint James Freeman to the Board of Education, and one resident was complimentary of the new Budget Snapshot that was mailed to all Summit taxpayers, but requested a similar document from the School system.
Municipal Budget Hearing
The municipal budget hearing was the highlight of the council meeting. Councilwoman Sandra Lizza announced the $ 49.3 mm budget, resulting in a tax levy of $ 25.99 mm, a + 0.84% increase over last year. Council Members were complimentary of Administrator Michael Rogers, Treasurer Marge Gerba and staff at city hall for delivering a prudent fiscal budget that delivers the quality services Summit deserves. Discussion also focused on future ratables as important to fund inevitable budget increases.
Ordinances
There were two ordinances that had hearing and were approved: one that banned parking on the south side of Kent Place Blvd between Norwood Avenue and Morris Avenue and another that restricted parking at the Memorial Field lot to park use only.
Resolutions
There were several resolutions passed. Importantly the $ 8.3 mm capital plan for 2016, encompassing the city, the sewer and parking utilities and the school system was approved. Other resolutions included accepting generous donations from Celgene to our Fire Department, a private donation to our Police Department, awarding of a bid for micro-paving for our roads in Summit (increasing life expectancy by up to 10 years), and professional services to help the city navigate affordable housing obligations.
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.