The next Common Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 2 at 7:30 PM. Members of Common Council, Mayor Radest, and City staff will be participating electronically in this meeting. For this and all future electronic meetings, members of the public will be able to comment by video or audio conference. Comments will also be accepted by email to cityclerk@cityofsummit.org. Comments must be received by noon on February 2. Those that submit written comments will have their comment read by the clerk or summarized if substantially like other comments and will not be permitted to speak on that same subject at the meeting. The rules for public comments are posted on the city website. The access codes for the Zoom platform and instructions for public comment are posted on the city website.
Every Common Council meeting is broadcast live on HTTV Verizon channel 30 and Comcast channel 36 and 34. The meeting will also be broadcast live on the City of Summit YouTube Channel.
The Finance Committee will introduce a single resolution to amend the 2020 professional services agreement for the City Solicitor to increase the total contract amount by $20,000. This increase is attributable to the need for additional legal services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which have not yet been reimbursed under the CARES Act.
The Capital Projects and Community Services Committee will introduce eight resolutions. First, council will consider a resolution to authorize a two-year shared services agreement with New Providence for Wastewater Operations and Maintenance effective through December 31, 2022. This arrangement has been in place for nine years and saves money by making use of New Providence’s licensed sewer operator, rather than the City hiring its own. Second, council will vote to award a bid for the Butler Parkway Improvement Project, which includes drainage work, paving, and installation of sidewalks and curbs. This project will be partially reimbursed by a state Department of Transportation grant. Another resolution will amend the professional services agreement with Topology for Phase IV of planning for the Broad Street West Redevelopment Project to increase the total by $23,456.25. These charges reflect the increased amount of work completed on this project in 2020. Most of the contract costs will be reimbursed by the developer in accordance with a funding agreement. Next, council will hear a resolution to authorize a temporary closure of Maple Street for outdoor dining from March 15 to November 30, 2021. This would be the second year that the street would be closed to traffic and this resolution is contingent on approval by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. In addition, council will consider a resolution to approve Morris Habitat for Humanity’s application to the NJ Affordable Housing Trust Fund for $700,000 to help finance a 12-unit affordable housing project at 146 Morris Avenue.
Council will also consider resolutions: (1) to authorize a professional services contract for forestry services; (2) to authorize the City Engineer and Mayor to sign permit documents prepared by state and county agencies without seeking approval from Common Council in the interest of allowing projects to proceed expeditiously; and (3) to approve the submission of the Tree City USA Re-certification application for its 26th year of recognition.
The Law and Labor Committee will introduce a single resolution certifying the City’s compliance with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s guidance on the consideration of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions. This is a certification that the City is required to complete each year.
Finally, the Safety and Health Committee will introduce a resolution seeking approval to submit a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters grant in the amount of $37,216.33 for equipment to clean and dry contaminated turnout gear. The grant requires a 10% match if awarded.
To view the complete Common Council agenda, go to www.cityofsummit.org/AgendaCenter/Common-Council-2/?#02022021-815.
Printable agenda preview: https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/View/5310/Fox-Council-President-Preview-020221.
Next Common Council Meeting: Wednesday, February 17, 2021.