Council President Pro Tem Delia Hamlet is providing a review of actions taken at the Tuesday, September 17, council meeting.

Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, MD, provided a brief overview of Department of Community Programs events including Fiesta Latina on September 20, the Doggy Dip on September 21, and Battle of the Bands on September 22. Additional event information is available at www.summitcommunityprograms.com.

Mayor Fagan shared the following construction updates:

• The Wilson paddle courts are closed until reconstruction is complete; Council President Pro Tem Delia Hamlet later mentioned she is hopeful this project will be completed by late fall.
• The age two to five playground on the Village Green has been removed as part of the Village Green Phase III Improvement Project, and the age five to 12 playground on the Village Green remains open during construction.
• The Mabie Playground Transformation Project will go out to bid shortly and work is expected to begin late fall. 

Mayor Fagan also noted the positive response and applications received for open positions at City Hall. “While specific details related to personnel matters must remain confidential, these transitions present a valuable opportunity to strengthen City Hall for the future,” she explained. “Some vacancies stem from long serving employees retiring, others from individuals pursuing new opportunities, or due to personal changes. In one instance, an opening allowed us to promote from within City Hall, demonstrating our commitment to continued professional growth for our city staff. Another allowed us to hire someone from a neighboring town, providing fresh perspectives on our processes. Each change reflects the adaptability of our organization, ensuring we continue to evolve.”

Council President Pro Tem Delia Hamlet shared that council is working with the Division of Engineering and DEP representatives to develop a plan for stream bank stabilization near houses in the Salt Brook area.

Mayor Fagan presented two proclamations. The first declared September 17, 2024, as Pilgrim Baptist Church Day in Summit in honor of its 95th anniversary; Pastor Ronald Allen, Sr, attended and accepted the proclamation. The second declared September 17 to September 23, 2024, as Constitution Week in Summit; several members of the Beacon Fire Chapter of the DAR attended and accepted the proclamation.

Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Mike McTernan as Ward 2 Common Councilmember. McTernan fills the Ward 2 seat vacated by former Council President Lisa Allen who resigned earlier this month. Councilmember Boyer stated “Tonight we have the pleasure of introducing Mr. McTernan to our council, following the recent appointment of Tom Tucci at our last meeting. These introductions are a testament to the council's sound judgment and strategic decision-making. By bringing on individuals with extensive experience and a deep commitment to our community, we are ensuring that Summit is guided by leaders who understand our city's needs and are equipped to navigate its future with confidence.”

Three presentations were given:

• Officer Kotiga spoke about the Summit Police Department trading card program and thanked the Summit Elks Lodge for their generous funding and support of the program. 
• Nancy Holm, Esq. provided an update on recent affordable housing actions.
• Leah Griffith, Chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness, provided an update that included information on recent task force work.

Several additional actions were taken at the meeting and include:

• Acceptance of a donation towards a memorial bench dedication for the Village Green.
• A resolution authorizing the submission of federal appropriations to support the Glenside Avenue Drainage Project.
• A resolution amending budget chapter 159 - 2023 Union County Infrastructure Aid Grant.
• A resolution requesting an agreement with Union County to permit the installation of an RRFB and crosswalk at the intersection of Morris Avenue and Butler Parkway.
• A resolution establishing a developer facilitation process for consideration of proposed projects that include affordable housing units.

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

This information is available on the city website.