At its meeting on Tuesday, December 5, the Common Council convened for a substantial session, executing several key actions to advance city business.

The council considered and unanimously adopted several ordinances. These included permanently converting the full length of Briant Parkway to a one-way street, updating the city's affordable housing ordinances to more clearly define developer obligations, and establishing a process and procedure for the consideration of wireless telecommunication technology (5G antennas) to protect the character of the community. An update to the fee ordinance was also re-introduced; a hearing will be held at the December 19 council meeting.

The council also considered and unanimously adopted several resolutions. These included the transfer of appropriations within the operating budget, authorized the schedule of school levy payments and debt service payments, continued the shared service agreement for IT services with Madison, and finalized a change order to upgrade equipment in Council Chamber. Resolutions authorized a grant application for firefighter protective gear, declared vacancies in the fire and finance departments, and public works division, and authorized the 2024 council meeting schedule. 

Three other significant resolutions were authorized. The first extended the contract with Uber and Lyft for the ridesharing program, an innovative way of keeping cars out of the parking system. The second supported the Summit Housing Authority's application to the NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency for funds to rehabilitate the 195 units of low- and moderate-income housing managed by the authority in our community. The third adopted the city's first ever Community Energy Plan, that outlines practical ways for the city to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, outlined priorities, and is a first step toward potentially receiving funding to implement those measures.

Mayor Nora Radest shared information on the holiday season in Summit, highlighting the ongoing Toys for Tots donation drive through Friday, December 15, free holiday parking in downtown from Saturday, December 9, to Saturday, December 30, music and carriage rides on Saturdays from 1PM to 4PM through December 23 and the menorah lighting on the Village Green on Sunday, December 10, at 6PM.

City Administrator Michael Rogers reported that leaf collection will continue until Friday, December 8, and the deadline to renew Downtown Employee Parking Permits has been extended until December 31, 2023.

During his report, Council President Greg Vartan provided an update that a motion and brief to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the former redevelopment partner, Broad Street West Managers, will soon be submitted by legal counsel for the city. He also requested a summary from Department of Community Services Director Aaron Schrager on updates to the Sidewalk Installation and Maintenance Policy. Director Schrager explained the policy, initially adopted in 2019, calls for regular updates to reflect progress and priorities every two years; he anticipates a potential adoption of an update in the coming weeks. Council President Vartan also thanked the Interfaith Council for its role in organizing community vigils in support of the people of Israel and Gaza who are experiencing tragic losses and suffering in the war with Hamas and resulting humanitarian crisis.

Councilmember comments and new business included an announcement from Councilmember Marjorie Fox of $545K in grant funding for sidewalks along Broad Street.

The full meeting is available to view on the City of Summit YouTube channel.

This information can be translated to Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages on the city website: https://www.cityofsummit.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2239.