Welcome everyone and welcome for those at home viewing. Uh welcome to our second meeting of November, our common council this uh this evening. Um madame clerk uh will you please read the adequate notice of compliance statement?
Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the city clerk's office in preparation of the council annual meeting notice dated December 16th, 2024, which was properly distributed and posted per statutory requirements. Please be advised that fire exits are to my right, your left, and at the back of
the room. The city has a listening system to assist the hearing impaired. If anyone needs hearing assistance, please obtain the system at the days and return it thereafter. >> Thank you so much. Uh, roll call, please. >> Mr. Ber, >> present. Miss Hamlet >> present. >> Miss Camson >> here.
>> Mr. Powski >> here. >> Mr. Smallwood >> present. >> Miss Toad >> here. >> President McTurn >> present. All right. I understand there's uh someone who's celebrating a very special day today in our audience. Mr. Azari has a birthday. >> Happy birthday.
>> And it's fantastic. [applause] And >> and as a little birthday present, would you uh like to lead us in the pledge of allegiance? I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic
for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Happy birthday. >> Thank you. And happy birthday again. All right. Um, Madame Clerk, at this time, would you please read the explanatory
note regarding closed session and hearings and comments? >> A close session meeting as authorized by state statute was announced and held prior to the start of this meeting, and the known items for discussion were listed on the published close session agenda. Please be advised that council meetings are broadcast live on Comcast
channels 34 and 36 and Verizon channel 30 and rebroadcast on Thursdays and Saturdays on HGTV on Comcast 36 and Verizon 33. When invited to speak, please come to the lectern clearly state your name and address, spell your last
name and speak into the podium microphone so that your comments can be understood by all and properly recorded. Whenever an audience or council member reads from a prepared statement, please give or email a copy to the city clerk at citycler cityofsummit.org. To help facilitate an orderly meeting
and to permit all to be heard, speaker shall limit their comments to three minutes. Unless you are using an electronic device to follow the meeting agenda or need it for professional emergency contact purposes, please turn it off. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Um, do I have a motion at this time to approve the
minutes of the regular and close session um of November 5th, 2025? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion carries. All right. Uh, we are in our report section of our meeting. Um, madame mayor, do you have a report for
us this evening? >> Of course I do. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you for being here. Um the season of giving has begun and I'm excited to update you on ways to give back to your community and to celebrate with neighbors. Uh turkey drive on November 23rd. Um the annual
turkey drive which is hosted by other fellow first foundation will take place from 100 p.m. to 400 p.m. outside of Summit Diner. Um residents are encouraged to bring frozen turkeys, non-p perishable food items or monetary donations. And all of the contributions go to the Community Food Bank of New
Jersey. And this year is the 25th anniversary. So, we're celebrating with music, kids activities. The emergency vehicles will be there for the kids to enjoy. There will be fire trucks, motorcycles, police vehicles, um ambulances, um face painting, all kinds of good
things. So, come out and Mr. Chi will be there. I think there's some Summit Diner take yummy stuff that's going to be out. So, um come and enjoy it. Come and join us. Um Toys for Tots is uh collections underway through December 16th. You can
drop off new unwrapped toys in the collection bin here in the lobby or at other locations around town and those locations are listed on the city website and these donations will help make the holidays brighter for our local children. Um Thanksgiving at the community center. On Thanksgiving Day,
the Summit Community Center will host a free Thanksgiving meal from 12 to 2:00 p.m. for anyone who would like to join. Come enjoy a full Thanksgiving spread and a celebrate with neighbors. >> [snorts] >> Speaking of Thanksgiving, city offices are closed on November 27th and 28th, and that will be a parking holiday as
well. And last, pardon me, um the uh November 28th is Miracle on Elm Street from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on the Village Green. There's dance and music performances, activities for the kids, ice skating, and our tree lighting. I'll be there, and I hope to see you there,
too. And warm wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving to everyone in our community. Thank you. That was a great message. Thank you. Holidays are upon us. All right. Our uh city administrator is not here this evening. She had a wedding, I believe. Um I do have a uh
council president report this evening. Uh on Thursday last week, we had a well attended uh town hall of uh having to do with implementation of the rules concerning the lighting down at Tatlock.
It was an open meeting. We had a lot of people advocating um their or for their ideas on you know some of the >> what's the thing um >> parameters >> the parameters around when the lights could be used how many games who could
use them all sorts of different things. I thought it was a very very productive discussion. Uh and as I meant or I mentioned at the end of it and for people at home who might not have been able to attend, if you do have some thoughts and uh around how you think the
light should be utilized, please send an email. Um we're still working on this. Uh and I would say, you know, these guys have been working very very hard to make and uh uh accommodate both the needs of the neighborhood and the needs of our
children who uh want to play sports. So, um send your emails in if you haven't had a chance to comment yet. Um second, an update on our uh round four. I don't have a lot to add versus our last meeting, and I know I'm sounding like a
broken record. Uh we are still negotiating with the um these two developers as well as fair share housing. We are making some progress probably not as fast as some of us would like but um we are negotiating in good
faith and we are moving the ball um along uh as we've talked about you know this process does need to be wrapped up I think by the end of March. Um, so you know, we continue to run this process
through uh as we find or uh as we come to agreements, we will let you know, but we're still um doing that. One part of our round four, um I'm happy to say uh in our plan, we do have uh affordable
housing units being created on the uh old the site of the old firehouse that's that's in our round four plan. And tonight we're taking yet another step towards making that a reality. Um earlier in the year, if you were paying
attention, we purchased [clears throat] uh what was called the finger lot to co co-join the four parcels uh to make it um uh you know a a better um piece of property to sell to a potential
developer. That's all been that's all been completed. Today we're uh on the the docket. We're hiring a broker to go out and solicit bids for that property and we hope to u finish that transaction sometime in the middle of next month. Um
so that's moving along uh uh which is great and um as as we continue to kind of implement um what as we all want is our um uh affordable housing obligation. Um, the last thing I wanted to talk about,
um, I received a a lot of council people did as well, a a very interesting email last week, the week before, and it was it was an email signed by 25, 30 people, including former council people from who
are Democrat, former council people who are Republican. It was a broad swath of people. And I you fair you don't always receive emails like that from from such a wide perspective of people. And it was
it was uh advocating for a um that the city move towards what would be called nonpartisan elections. And so for people at home who don't know the terminology, a nonpartisan election
would be where you would and this would just be at the local level. Um when you come into the the voting booth uh you would for local office meaning this council you would not see a party
affiliation next to a person's name. Uh so there would you'd still have people on it. You could have choices all that good stuff but there'd be no affiliation. about 20% of New Jersey communities have nonpartisan
um elections and this group advocated for that. Um they cited the uh the the ranker around elections, the politic the nationalization and the um uh and and
the vitriol that would go along with our elections and and or lamenting it and and I must say I have a lot of sympathy for that view. Uh I've spoken many many times about um how our elections have just gotten nasty for no reason.
uh particularly for what is essentially a a volunteer job up here where people just want what's best for summit. Um there is a process to make nonpartisan elections happen. Uh there are really
two ways this could go uh the community could go about it. One way it could happen is the city council can vote to put a referendum on next year's ballot.
Um, you need a supermajority to pass something like that. I think it would need five out of seven votes and then then the people would would decide. Uh my understanding is the the results of the referendum would be non-binding,
meaning the subsequent council could decide not to do it if if people voted uh for that. But um that would be one process, a council vote, five out of seven say yes, and then the people would
decide in November whether they would support a a movement to change our local elections to nonpartisan. The second way that this could happen, according to my research, and Rosie really helped me out with this, it's a
lot. And and I will say there is some contradictory stuff in here. So um I would advise anyone who really wants to pursue this to do their own work. Um but my understanding is that
uh citizens could collect signatures if they were if they were to collect uh the number of citiz of signatures they would need would be 25% of the number who voted in the last election >> for the assembly
>> for the assembly which which would be just last November um or the vote that happened two weeks ago. So, we had Rosie, what roughly 8 8,000 odd votes, >> I would say. So, >> so you'd have to look up the exact number,
but it would mean we'd need a little over 2,000 signatures. Uh, that would need to be collected and be verified. Um, if someone was able to do that, then it would go to council who would then uh
vote to put the um question on the ballot for November. um council if they go the route where they can just do this, they have to do it within 40 days of an election. So they could uh this council or council next year would have
up to o August to do this. Um if citizens were to do it, it takes a little longer. Uh their deadline would have to be I think it's 80 85 days or 88 days I think prior to the subsequent election. So to do that you'd have to
have everything done sometime around in May I think is the way the math would work. Um and uh so so those are the two the two methods and and like I said I'm I'm happy to discuss this further with people. I do have a lot of sympathy for
for the idea. There are pros and cons to everything in life uh around that. Um, but like I said, I think we live in a wonderful community where people get along. We send our kids to school together. We place, you know, we're on
the sidelines together. We go to watch plays where our kids are up on the stage together. And we should be able to have elections that don't have a lot of mudslinging and don't get caught up in what's going on in Washington DC. I get it why that's dysfunctional,
but I think things we can do to make our own local elections less dysfunctional would be would be better. So, I'm I'm happy to continue to talk to people about this. Um, but as I said, there are two ways to to do this. Okay. Um, and that is my council president report for
this evening. Okay. Uh, Councilman Palowski, do we have a historical minute this evening? >> We do. >> [clears throat] >> What? [laughter] >> You know his dad when I'm the >> same police chief is now the IT guy. >> Um,
>> okay. You may be familiar with the apartments at the corner of Uklid and Beachwood called the Flynn. But before there was the Flynn, there were the Flynns. Old-timers can tell you about the family business that used to be there serving
our community for over a century. I can't think of anyone better to do this historical minute than uh a member of the fourth generation of that great family, Dennis Flynn. I'm Dennis Flynn, formerly a summit, an
Irish immigrant born in 1866. My greatgrandfather, Michael Flynn, Jr. established a horse and livery stable associated with the Beachwood Hotel, which divorce property in 1889 known as the Beachwood Stable. He
operated the business for 12 years. Michael Flynn passed away in 1901 at age 35, leaving four children and his wife Hannah who took over the business. Although the first gasoline automotives came to be in the late 1800s, horse and
buggy dominated the transportation for the first decade of the 20th century. For a time, the business even housed a horsedrawn ambulance for Overlook Hospital. With manufacturing improvements like assembly line production, automobiles became
affordable and health city citizens entered the automotive era. So did the Flynn. By the 1920s, the Beachwood Stable became Flynn's Garage from where the family also operated a taxi service. By this time, the son of my great-grandparents, Michael and Hannah,
my grandfather, Raymond Flynn, senior, born in 19 in 1898, had taken over running the operations uh and with his mother, Hannah, ushered in the era with the sale of gasoline as an ESO, now known as Exxon, gas station. The
business became the oldest Eso Exxon station in the entire Northeast United States. In the 1920s and 30s, the Flynn family business thrived and continued to adjust to the advances in the automotive industry. In the late 1950s or early
1960s, the Flynn's dropped the taxi service to concentrate on auto repairs. My father, Raymond Flynn Jr., born in 1925, known as Buddy, ran the business with Senior until Buddy took over in the mid70s. I had the pleasure of working
with my father running Flynn's garage until Buddy retired in 2004. It was my privilege to continue serving with Summit Community thereafter running Flynn's garage until I sold the property in 2013 to a local developer who turned
the garage, the house next door, and the adjacent lot into a stylish rental property, which he named the Fling. In honor of my family history and our proud tradition serving the Hill City for over 20 years. Thank you. >> Excellent.
>> That's great. [applause] >> So, I don't know um who's familiar with Flynn's Garage uh who's here. I'm sure a lot of people watching are. They're a great great local mechanic. If you went to Lincoln School in the 80s and probably decades before that and decades
after that, uh you've definitely filled your uh your bicycle tires at Mr. Flynn's. Um, one funny story I have is, uh, my dad was having electrical problems with his car and he brought it in and they said, "All right, you know, we'll take a look at it." And Mr. Flynn
called him and said, "Well, you got a family of mice living in your car. They're chewing on your electrical wires, but we can take care of that. We've seen it before." So, I'm sure he had lots of great stories like that. But, um, great. Thank you, Dennis, if you're watching out there. Uh, we
appreciate it. And that's it. >> All right. Great historical minute as always. Thank you, Councilman Palowski. Okay, we're moving right along. We have a couple of uh hearings uh this evening, at least that's on the schedule. Um uh so the first one is a community programs
and parking services uh ordinance. Um Madame Clerk, will you please read number 25-3361? An ordinance amending chapter 7 traffic section 7-8 parking subsection 7-8.5 parking time limited on certain streets
subsection 7-8.5B2 time limit parking parking zones of the code of the city of Summit. >> Thank you very much Councilman Smallwood. >> Thank you Council President. This is uh ordinance number 25-3361
to change the number of metered parking spaces on Park Avenue. The designated employee parking spaces on Parkin A Avenue a Avenue implemented in 2021 are currently being underutilized. After speaking with several nearby businesses, it appears that there is no longer a
need for the number of employee permit spaces originally established. We will be voting to convert four of the six permit spaces into two-hour paid customer parking. This change will pres will preserve two spaces for all day employee permit parking while creating
four spaces dedicated to two-hour paid parking. Paid paid customer parking. I moved I move this ordinance for hearing. >> Second. >> Thank you. All right. I'm going to uh open the hearing for this ordinance at this time. Would anyone from the public
like to uh give a comment on this ordinance? All right, seeing no comments, I'm going to close the public part of this hearing. Uh, council members, any comments on this ordinance? >> Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Uh, I just want to say I'm super excited
about this. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when I was campaigning, apparently unsuccessfully, um, I went down to Buena Vista Cafe and I went there to grab a water and talk to the business owners. And what I found from the business owner, um, she said, "You know, I just
can't understand why I own a restaurant, but the individuals who are eating at my restaurant have nowhere to park." And I said, "You know what? I'll look into it." And, you know, I contacted Nicole and contacted Kevin, and it turns out we didn't need all of those spots to be employee spots. So, I guess I would just
say I would encourage the community to just keep telling uh the new council and and the current council. If if you think it doesn't make sense, it may not. And it's just a simple fix. Um if it doesn't make sense to you, come to city hall, ask Rosie. You know, there's no question
that's not a good question. And so, I [clears throat] just I was really happy that this owner got a resolution. So, thank you, Nicole, um and Chief Peters for working on this. Really appreciate it. So, >> thank you. Other comments from council. >> And you, Kevin. Sorry. Sorry. You're too small.
>> We only had to do redo it a couple times, but you got it. >> Other comments from council. >> All right. I'm going to uh close the hearing on this ordinance, and we'll move it right along to our second ordinance for hearing. Um, madame clerk, will you please read safety and health
number 25-3362? >> An ordinance amending the code chapter 7, traffic section 7-8, parking subsection 7-8.4, for stopping or standing prohibited during certain hours or on certain streets. >> Thank you very much. Um, Councilman
Boyer. >> Thank you, Council President. Council President, I am going to ask that this ordinance be tabled uh with a brief explanation and just to note that by tableabling this ordinance um it effectively uh kills this ordinance,
right? So, this will go into next year. But during the period of time when this ordinance was originally tabled at our last council meeting, uh I received a call from Oaknull School expressing concerns with the proposed no parking
restriction from Tulip Street to Colonial Drive. Uh while they understood the visibility concerns raised, they were concerned about making the entire stretch a no parking zone. So Oaknull did indicate that they support
restricting parking at a portion of the road where the residents were having difficulty backing out of their driveway. So based on this feedback uh based on the feedback I received and the limited scope of the issue uh the
broader restriction proposed in this ordinance may be more extensive than what is required to resolve the concern. So for that reason, I believe it be more appropriate for the newly seated safety committee to revisit this in January and
bring forward the revised recommendations. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. Do we need a second to table this? >> Yes, >> a second. >> Okay. >> All right. Um Okay. So, and >> you have to vote. >> We have to vote. Okay. So, um roll call,
please. >> Mr. Ber, >> I. >> Miss Hamlet, >> I. Miss Cson, >> I >> Mr. Palowski >> I >> Mr. Smallwood >> I >> Miss To >> I. >> President McTurn. >> I Okay, so we're tableabling that. All right. Um that concludes our ordinances
for hearing. Uh now we're moving on to ordinances for final consideration. We now have one. Um, Madame Clerk, will you please read Community Programs and Parking Services 25-3361? >> An ordinance amending Chapter 7, Traffic
Section 7-8, Parking Subsection 7-8.5, Parking Time Limited on Certain Streets, Subsection 7-8.5B 2, Time Limit Parking, Parking Zones of the Code of the City of Summit. >> Thank you so much. Uh, Councilman Smallwood.
>> Thank you, Council President. This is ordinance number 253361. Having just heard the multiple deliberations on this hearing, I uh I I moved this uh ordinance for final consideration.
>> Second. >> Thank you. All right. Uh roll call, please. >> Mr. Ber, >> I. >> Miss Hamlet, >> I. >> Miss Calmanson. >> Hi. >> Mr. Pilowski. >> Hi. >> Mr. Smallwood. >> Hi. >> Miss Toi. >> President McCarron. >> I. Motion carries. All right.
Okay, we're on to the resolution section of the meeting. We have a few this evening. Uh first up is finance. Uh finance number one, Councilwoman Toth. >> Thank you, Council President. Per closed session discussion resolution 12199
authorizes the city to contract with the firm of Jones Lang Lasal Associates, Inc. to conduct to conduct an auction to sell the old firehouse site. Jones Lang Lasal is well known and respected in the commercial real estate business. The
city anticipates a sealed bid auction with Jones Langal to be paid on a sliding scale. 4% of the first 5 million of sales price, 3% on the next 5 million um hopefully 2% above 10 million, you
know, if we're lucky. This is well within industry parameters. I move to adopt this resolution. >> A second. Thank you. Um, any member of the public like to comment on this or resolution? Council comments. Councilwoman Hamlet.
>> I just want to say um the organiz the company that we're working with is very professional. We've had great interactions with them and I feel really good about having them uh market the property for the city. Um, obviously we're going to do an auction for uh the
property, but this enables um the reach to be a lot uh larger and ultimately will get the taxpayers a better price for the property. So, they are first class. Uh they've done all the recent sales track transactions uh that you've seen a lot of them. So, we're we're in
the best of hands and I I fully support this resolution. >> Thank you. Other comments? Yeah, Council President, I'd like to Councilman Boyer, >> the second Councilwoman Hamlet's um uh notion about JLL. I had the opportunity to work with a bunch of their uh
employees when they were um property managers for uh Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and they they are an amazing company. Um so I think that uh the city is in good hands and I support this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Other comments?
Yeah, I I would just say uh couple of things. This is a very long winding road of that our uh the property at the firehouse has taken. Um, you know, I was
first approached around this idea um to uh declare the firehouse an area in red, an area in need of redevelopment uh over 10 years ago um when I was on
council back then. And it kind of sounded like a good idea. You could work with the developer. You could get what you wanted out of the site. you could put all these conditions on and tailor make it to to to to be what the community would like. All these things
sounded fantastic. Um in addition, you could uh you could structure payments through what's called pilots payment in lie of taxes where you know the city would keep the bulk of it. You wouldn't have to send that much down to the county. All these great things. Um
sounded great. I remember there was a council uh person who had just gotten off the board. Um he served for nine years. Many of us know him. He was a great person. Tom gets Danner. Great um volunteer for our community. He grabbed
me and said, "Mike, in our zip code 07901, we don't need to do an anor. This is crazy. Auction it. you get the highest price. And I said, "Tom, come on. Look at all
these great things you can do with Anor and stuff." And I admit he was 100% right. I was a 100% wrong um in making that decision. And u you know, we went through it and you know, the rest is history as they say. you know, we ended
up with the Broad Street West problems and the community came out and completely rejected um you know, this massive overdevelopment. Uh I I give um council year ago a lot of credit for
reszoning this uh taking this property out of Anor. Um, and here we are with a a zoning in place. It's much more reflective of the values of our community, much more reflective of our master plan. This comp this is a big
part, as I mentioned earlier, of our round four obligation uh to do this. And here we are. We are we will see what it is worth. I have every confidence in JLL that they will uh canvas the developer
community and we will get the best price and you know I hope as councilwoman Toad said let's get some 3% commission numbers in there but we'll see what it's worth and you know the market is the market. Um so I'm I'm excited uh to have
this happen. So um so I support this as well. All right. Uh, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion carries. All right. Uh, moving right along. Uh, finance number two, Councilwoman Toth. >> Uh, thank you, Council President. I'm going to bundle two and three, if I may.
>> Yes, please. >> Um, resolution 12258 authorizes the city to contract with Magic Touch Construction Company to provide on call plumbing services for 2026 and 2027. Resolution 12268
authorizes the city to contract with both Sunny Electric, Inc. and CRD Electrical LLC to provide on call electrician services for the same period. The city needs these on call services. All three companies meet all of the bidding specifications, provide
competitive wages to their employees, and are close enough to summit to be responsive. I move to adopt these resolutions. >> Second comments from the public. Comments from council. Councilman Boyer. >> Council President. Um just to just to be
clear for the public, uh we see these kind of sort of big numbers there. Um they don't have to spend that. >> Yeah. >> So, I mean, it could be $10,000, not 35, right? Mhm. >> So, the the idea to have them is just so
that uh we don't have to be in a scramble to find somebody to to fix something relatively quickly like our pothole next to a firehouse, right? Something like that. So, I know Director Shger would would appreciate that. So, >> thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Uh Councilwoman Hamlet, >> I just have a quick question. I I not trying to I didn't notice it until now. Is there a reason that in the award bid it says not to exceed 20,000 per year, Claire, but
in the memos it says not to exceed 35,000? >> There's two different >> There's two different >> We bundled the two, >> right? But in So, okay, let me see. >> 35,000,000 for the plumbing and then 20,000 for each of the electric.
>> Got it. Okay. So, so the not to exceed for the plumbing is 35 and the not to exceed for the electric is 20 >> for each >> for each >> for each. >> Okay. But in the memo it says that
it's not to exceed 20,000 for on call electric. >> 20 each. >> Right here. >> It's electrician >> each. There's two. >> I understand. I understand. This is
Where does it say that? >> It says not to exceed 20 each. >> There's two electrical companies, >> right? >> Oh, there's two. >> Yeah, >> there's two electrical using two on on services. >> Okay, thank you. That explains it. Sorry. >> Okay, I thought it was only one. That
makes sense. >> Any other comments from council? I was going to say plumbers make more money, but maybe not. I don't know. Um uh all right. Uh all in favor? >> I opposed.
>> Motion carries. Okay. Uh moving right along. Uh finance number four, Councilwoman Toth. >> Thank you, Council President. Per close session discussion resolution 12273 authorizes the continuation of an existing situation. Since 2018,
Detective Robert Freeman has held a full-time position with the New Jersey Policeman's Benevolent Association. Detective Freeman is currently the deputy director and while we miss him here in Summit, he's been very effective in his role with the NG NJPBA.
The NJPBA reimbures the city for Detective Freeman's salary and benefits, so there's no cost to Summit for him to hold the position. And should the city have need of Detective Freeman's services, Chief Peters can recall him to active duty. The city entered into an
agreement memorializing all of this with Detective Freeman and the NJPBA back in 2018. That agreement lapsed at the end of 2024 and resolution 12273 reinstates the agreement through 2028. I move to
adopt this resolution. >> I second. Comments from the public. >> Comments from council. >> All right. All in favor? I >> opposed. >> Motion carries. All right. Last finance
number five, Councilwoman Toth. [snorts] >> Okay. Thank you, Council President. Per close session discussion. Resolution 12278 authorizes a payout of 70 hours of compensatory time to Sergeant Jeffrey Pier. This is permitted under the city's collective bargaining agreement with the
Summit PBA Local and Sergeant Pier has requested the payout in writing. I move to adopt this resolution. >> I second. Would anyone from the public like to comment? Council comments. All in favor?
>> Opposed? >> Motion carries. All right, moving right along. Community Programs and Parking Services number one, Councilman Smallwood. Thank you, Council President. Uh, I would actually like to combine both one and two if that's possible. >> That is very possible. >> Awesome.
Uh this is ID number 11279 and ID number 12281. Uh we are first of all uh again I'd like to uh wish a very happy birthday to Mr. Dire Department of Community Programs
Director Mark Ozaroski. Uh so happy birthday >> and uh I you should probably leave after these and go celebrate with your family. Uh so with that being said, uh my son is
17. He will be 18 in January. My daughter is 15. I took my kids to Tatlock Playground and they're they played on the same
items that are still there today. There's a few pieces that have been removed uh because they were unsafe. So, with that being said, I'm very pleased to bring forward the contract award for phase one of the Tatlock playground project. This project is being completed
in two phases to allow the city to pursue and receive county and state reimbursement grants while still keeping the progress moving for our community. Phase one includes the installation of several exciting new play features, the
very popular and the highest ranked uh playground piece by the children for the Washington owls, the owl play structure. Log scrambles, hideaway trees with monkey bars, balance nets, and
other engaging elements designed to support imaginative and active play. The existing swings will remain in place as part of the full buildout. However, I know that there are two swings that are missing and they have decided that they they are going to give us two swings to
get them installed. David, are they installed yet? >> Not yet, but for >> all right, we're getting there soon, I hope. Uh the current red rope climber will also remain for now and will be replaced during phase two anticipated in
2026 with the final uh octaet crows net nest steel tunnel slide play feature. I have no idea what that is but uh sounds fun. We are especially proud of this project as it reflects the tremendous input and creativity of the public schools ideas
classes, feedback from citywide community survey, and thoughtful adjustments made to keep the project within budget while still delivering a high quality and inclusive play space. Uh we were also considering the contract uh for for both of these contracts are
actually by Copen Inc. through the New Jersey state contract for the playground equipment along with a second contract to co by co to Coben Inc. through the Bergen County cooperative pricing uh system. We're excited to take this important step next uh next step toward
bringing and re-imagined Tatlock playground to life for families across Summit. I move to approve this resolutions these resolutions. >> Second. >> All right. Um, would any member of the public wish to comment on these two
resolutions? >> Members of council comments. Councilman Ber. >> No. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> All right. Uh, Madame Mayor, >> thank you. This is quick. I just want to make sure that we recognize the idea students because they were really
thoughtful. This was a project that um they come to me every year and ask the teacher comes and asks for what what the children can do to give back to the community. So, it was really fun to um have David work with them and come up with this really fun idea and they really got into it and they did a great
presentation. So, I just wanted to make sure that we thank them for their input. >> Very good. Um, Council Member Ber, >> I have to say, uh, before council, I did not know how expensive playgrounds were. >> Someone said, "Hey, we're going to put in a playground." I was like, "Yeah,
let's go. Let's do it." Right. And then then it was like, "Yeah, it's, you know, half of a million dollars." What? What? What's going on? Um, I'm so happy to see this this uh this come to fruition. I think I'm the only person up here that is a Washington owl. I don't know. I
think Bob went to Lincoln school, but you Yeah, he did. Right. Yeah. So, um, seeing the owl there actually um is nostalgic. It's like I I love that. That is great. And by the way, those kids are smart. They I mean they that's their
idea. That is great. Those Washington school kids are smart, I gotta tell you. Um, >> wise. >> Yeah, wise. Right. >> But I'm I'm happy to see this and I'm happy to see the the other one and maybe playground, you know. I'm happy that we've we're we've gotten these things
done. So, um, thank you to Mark. Um, just good job in community programs, good staff all year. Thank you. >> Thank you. Other comments? Councilwoman Hamlin, >> I would just say thank you to Mark and
David for getting the ball across the goal line here. Um, we've learned a lot in the last three years. I think I started out in Department of Community Programs, uh, driving you guys crazy. So, it's nice to see it's really nice to see all the hard work you do pay off. Um, that's why you do this and that's
why you come to work every day. And I know, um, again from knocking on a lot of doors in the last couple months that a lot of people are waiting on this playground. So, just well done. Councilman Smallwood. >> Uh, thank you, Council President. So, I I just did want to give a special thanks
to to Mark and David from community programs because it was their idea to have the community engagement uh survey, but also the using the the the public schools ideas classes so that you've really got the feedback from the
students and the kids that actually use it on a day-to-day basis. Um and and that was your idea. So, thank you very much. You guys did a tremendous job. I'm glad that we're able to do this in phases. Um you know, we just One of the
things that you have to decide when you're looking at at a playground and how to replace it is you actually start from the bottom up, right? Uh are we going to keep the same kind of flooring or was it is it going to remain natural? Are you going to use something
synthetic? And I think we ultimately, you know, that's the reason why it takes so long to kind of plan things out other than, you know, getting the money for it. Um, is figuring out what you're going to put in it, which the kids told us what they wanted and that's what
we're doing. And does it take a little bit longer? Does it cost a little bit more? Yes. But you know what? That's what the kids wanted. And we're fortunate enough to be uh you know I I think we've not only we getting some grant money for this uh but we're also
there was a lot of donations for this as well. And so we're very fortunate that we have a very uh giving uh community and I you know the Elks did a great job in raising some money for us as well. Um but uh you know this is a long time
coming but because we're keeping the natural uh flooring of this right uh did I say something wrong? Okay. >> All right. You looked at me like I was like all right. Happy birthday. Uh
anyway, uh basically just want to say that this you guys did a great job keeping the same type of natural uh flooring of it. I not flooring but like the natural >> what do you call it? Surface surrounding. Thank you. Uh we're able to
do this in phases. Um because what if you do something synthetic then you've got to basically do it all at once. And uh I think this is a fantastic job of getting, you know, a lot of this done as quickly as possible. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. Uh >> two seconds.
>> Yes, Councilwoman. >> I just want to also thank uh the un unsung hero of a lot of this is is Director Shreger's department. Uh there's a lot of things that go behind the scenes that uh he's not getting any awards for, but it's very very complicated and and there's a lot of coordination that goes on between
Director Shrager's department and DCP. Uh it's really complicated lights and engineering plans. So thank you to Director Shreger and his leadership. Uh you don't get a lot of thanks for the playgrounds, but you are behind the scenes 100%. >> Thank you. Other comments? Yeah, I would
just echo thanks to Mark and David. This is great and um it's it's fantastic when you get so many aspects of the community involved in in a project and it'll be awesome when it comes to fruition. You know, from the from the children, from the donors, you know, we have a as
Councilman Smallwood said, an incredibly giving community um that help out and make these things happen. And it's great. This is not the only playground that we're working on uh right now. So, um really these are these infrastructure investments that you have to make. Um
they cost money, but you need to prioritize things like this um for our community. So, I'm really really happy that that we've done this and um you know, maybe you guys next year can do like a team building thing on the owl or something. It'd be really cool.
[laughter] >> Good luck. >> Yeah. Um all right. Uh all in favor? >> Opposed? [clears throat] Motion carries. Okay. Uh, moving right along. Uh, law and labor has a few. Uh, Councilwoman Palowski, lawn labor number
one. Thank you. This is resolution ID number 12290 to authorize the sale of real property at 396 Broad Street, uh, which is the old firehouse property. We've discussed the sale of the old firehouse site,
which is now known as the Morris Broad Crossroads or MBC zone, for a long time now. The Summit Fire Department is fully operational at its new space, and we have received an appraisal valuing the property to be at least $4.6 million.
The city needs these funds to service our debt on the new firehouse in particular, address deferred maintenance, and to operate the municipality. Selling this property is important to the municipal budget. This resolution sets the minimum for what
will be a sealed bid auction at $4.6 million. I move to adopt this resolution. >> Oh, second. >> All right. Uh, comments from the public. [clears throat] Comments from council. >> Councilman Ber.
>> Thank you, Council President. Um, this is a great move. Uh, you know, the city and US council, you know, we're we're obligated to manage public resources efficiently as possible. and selling the property
and using the proceeds to reduce debt. Uh it reinforces our long-term financial stability and that is responsible governance. Um this strategy also protects you the taxpayers from
increased taxes. So I'm I'm looking forward to selling this property. Hopefully we get way more. You know, some it's a popular town. So hopefully get way more than uh than the minimum. Um but I support this. Thank you, council president.
>> Thank you. Other comments, >> madame mayor? >> Um, I just want to say because uh our city administrator CFO is not here, she has been commenting on the sale of this property as something that when she started here eight years ago, um this
was a conversation that this property needed to be sold to fund the firehouse, that beautiful building that we have now for our fire department. So, I just want to make sure that she since she's not here, I wanted to comment on that. Good comments. Other comments? Councilwoman Hamlet,
>> I just want to say this is a big day for the community. So, if uh if Tap into is listening to this meeting, this would definitely be a headliner. Um, I ran on this the first time when 22 or 2,300 residents were packing meetings till 2 am. Um,
you know, I think I mentioned it at at maybe the debate, but when Jack Cooper died most recently and we stood at his funeral home and we looked out uh in that area, that's the area that all of you fought for. It was Broad Street West. and and it's really really important to understand that that the
residents spoke out and they want character and they want things to be uh within the character of Summit and I I ran on that. And so a month before my my tenure here ends, I'm I'm proud that and I spent most of the day on the phone with with Rosie trying to get all the
auction details um done, but I'm proud to say that that we will get this back as a ratable for the taxpayer and it will be within the character of Summit. And uh at the end of the day, this was this was a huge win for the community. It's what all of you wanted and I'm I'm just very very happy and pleased uh to
be a part of the team that got it done. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Other comments? >> Yeah, I I would just wrap it up by um reiterating what the mayor said. I I've also sat in with um uh city administrator Baldwin about the
importance of the the the funding for this. Um, when this was originally envisioned, you know, the the reason this property is for sale, it was because the firehouse was no longer usable. Um, it it was too
small. The bays were too small for current technology. Uh, you couldn't put modern trucks in there anymore. We we had to move. Um, so that started this whole cascade of of getting to here. Um,
but in between there, as um just mentioned, we have a brand new firehouse uh down the hill. That firehouse was originally, I think, budgeted for like $11 million, >> and then with COVID and changes, I think
it ended up costing over $16 million. That's a big number. We have $16 million in debt that we're servicing as a result of that. Um, that puts a strain on your budget. And it was always envisioned
that we would recoup some of that by selling the property um in in order to pay down some debt. It it just makes financial sense. Um, and it's something um I I think that it's not it's not a want. I think it's it's a need. I mean,
we all know uh we've talked about this already. Uh the budgeting next year is going to be difficult. You know, health health costs are going up a lot, right, Jennifer? Um we we're trying to mitigate that to the best we can by changing plans and stuff, but these are still doubledigit increases
>> that are going to be staring the city in the face. Um we have you know this this is an asset that you know we'll get market price for and it'll go a long long way to help through that budget process that will really begin in earnest next next month right
>> now. >> Now yeah now I know you guys are working on it already. Um so um so yeah so I I support this resolution as well. >> All right in favor I >> opposed. >> All right motion carries. Okay. Um, law
and labor number two, Councilman Palowski. >> Thank you. This is resolution ID number 12240 to authorize 2026 city solicitor and labor council services in excess of $17,500
not to exceed $250,000. Every year we contract for a city solicitor at the end of the calendar year for the following year. Um this resolution is to renew our contract with Clearary Gioe Alfieri and Jacobs. Um
Matt Gioe started in Summit as labor council in 2016 and became the city solicitor in 2018. He's never raised his hourly rates or monthly retainer in the near decade [snorts] that he's been with us, and he
won't be doing that for 2026 either. Over the years, Matt has provided the city excellent work, zealously advocated for Democrat and Republican councils alike. Broad Street West, Maple Street, the resident protection ordinance, and
the camping ordinance immediately come to mind. Uh, with that I move this ordinance uh for adoption. >> Second. All right. Um, comments from the public, comments from councel. Councilwoman Ham,
>> I would just say I just want to thank uh Matt for his uh guidance and leadership over the years. You know, when you first get on to council, you get some advice where you're just supposed to fire all your professionals and start over. And I remember uh when we took charge, I started to learn really early that
there's a lot of value in having a city solicitor who again, as Bob just said, he supports Democrats, he supports Republicans, he knows the law, and he's always going to put us in a good position. Uh Mr. Gobe's firm is working
multiple different issues right now for the city. And his firm is fair. They give us wonderful guidance and you know Matt understands uh what needs to be done, what the laws and how to guide all of us council members regardless of what party we're
in. Um he hasn't steered us wrong and uh I think that you know I just want to say thank you for everything and I'm I'm really proud to support this resolution and the fantastic services that your firm provides. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Good comments. Other comments, Councilman Ber. Yeah, I just
want to reiterate the same thing that Councilwoman Hamlet uh just said. Um Mr. Jacob, you've done a fine job. It's been a whirlwind the last two years. Um and I appreciate your service. I know you're getting paid for it, but you know, hey. Um the other thing is I hope the city
never has to pay you a quarter of a million dollars ever. But you know, um but no, but thank you for your service and I appreciate you and I support this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Other comments? >> Comments? Uh, Councilwoman Cummlson. >> Thank you, Council President. Um, I'm
going to vote no on this simply because we have a new council coming in and I think that they need to be a part of the discussion since this is a contract for next year. Um, I'm just saying I want I want them to be a part of the
discussion. So, just letting everybody know. Now, >> just a question. We Councilwoman Commelonson, you your committee put together a RFP schedule for our professionals, right? Is the city
solicitor is part of that, right? >> Yes. >> When is the city solicitor roll up? You just we just literally did this. >> So when when is as part of this schedule where we >> decided to spread this out over a few
years, I think we just did the auditor. Is that did we just RFP the auditor which is great and I appreciate what you guys did. I thought there was a recommendation when the solicitor would come up for uh RFP which you guys put together. So I'm
I'm just a little confused as why you're changing your mind now. >> Well, I'm not I mean I can't always see into the future. Nobody can see into the future. Um, people have expressed concern about ways some meetings have gone and I just think it's a discussion
I'm not ready to say yes to tonight is what I'm saying. >> People, >> I'm I'm just members of the public members of the public have expressed concern. I'm I'm just I was just trying to give everybody a heads up to let you
know like I know that it's going to pass and I'm just trying to be upfront and say that I was going to vote no. >> All right. I'm just confused. Like we we have professionals. They're professionals. They serve all of us up here.
They don't care whether you have an R or a D next to your name. I don't even ask I I couldn't tell you half the what their political affiliation is. That's how it should be. I completely agree. When we talked earlier, we talked we we shouldn't have
professionals forever. There should be a process where we vet them every every so often in order just to make sure we're getting good service and such. And I have no doubt if we are RF RFPD
during the schedule, you know, um Matt's firm would would perform very very well around that. But we have a schedule for a reason. This just seems arbitrary to me to decide. Now we're changing council and we're throwing out what was a
wellthoughtout process in order to RFP professionals. It is it's it's arbitrary. It makes no sense. We change councils all the time. Professionals shouldn't be, you know,
there there's a litmus test now. You have to, you know, this is just can go down a bad rabbit hole around trying to, you know, oh, I have to worry who's going to be elected,
have to change how I behave my job. >> Really, really slippery slope here. Um, we had a system in place where we, you put it together, Councilwoman Camelson, that was very transparent.
Every year we're going to do a few um professional services. The the people will know, the the staff will know that who they have to deal with. And it's a process. It should be a transparent process. It shouldn't be arbitrary. Oh, we're changing now, so we need something
to change. I completely disagree with that logic. Completely. Um Matt has been nothing but professional. Nothing. I've sat here for 15 months during some very contentious
uh meetings and he's been nothing but courteous and kind to the public always. And to bring this up, it's just again I I completely disagree. He deserves our
thanks for the job that he's done. Been amazing. And the reason we do the city solicitor in December because it's the one of the most important roles we have to have and to just to say I'm going to vote no. We we need a city solicitor in the seat
January 1st. That's why we do it now. It it's it's never been, oh, we have a change in council. We we going to change out our solicitor. Never ever because that is arbitrary. See how
it goes. Stick to your schedule that you work so hard on. That's how this should work. And and again, I couldn't be more pleased with the work that Mr. Gio's done. He is knowledgeable. We have gone
through some incredibly difficult uh you know negotiations and processes. Um you know I I sometimes sherk at the bill [laughter] but it's not his fault that we're in some of these situations. U and he's
provided excellent advice, fantastic advice to myself and I I'm not I don't want to speak for others but for other people up here as well. And I I do know the staff lean on him very very hard and I [snorts] 100% support
um this this resolution hiring him again. Councilwoman Hamlet, >> I would just like to say for the two years before I was on council there there wasn't any resident summit who probably argued with Matt Moore when I was standing at the podium. So when I
got elected um or just challenge him when I got elected I thought you know here I was arguing with the you know about the Broad Street Rust project you know how am I going to work with Matt and um you know he's a professional and throughout my last three years we didn't always agree on everything but I would
have the adult conversation with Matt like hey how could we handle this differently or you know maybe I'm not thinking about this the right way can you give me guidance and as an elected official that's that's why you lean on professionals and you know what's really scary with your comment. Your one charge last year was to get this RF. You're we
admin really doesn't have a lot on their plate. I have 12 resolutions tonight like 4550 pages. What's scary is that we didn't have these discussions this year because the next thing I'm afraid that'll happen in January is you want to fire Serenian's firm for our affordable housing firm. So, you know, if our
professionals aren't leaning your way, does that mean that we get rid of them? That's what's really really scary. And as elected officials, you have conversations with professionals if you have a struggle or you're concerned or if they're acting unethical. I mean, Mark Leington, our administrative agent,
is one of the best in the state. And I have no idea what his political party is. I probably have a feeling, but he's phenomenal. I mean, I call him a couple times a week. I mean, these are professionals, and if they're doing something unethical, we we had a process to go through the RFPs. That was in our
committee. That was our job. And if we didn't do that, we should have had those discussions in committee. And I'm sorry you're having to go through this tonight. >> I am as well. >> It's okay, >> Councilman Small. >> Uh
I will be voting yes for this because I I don't know what I'm going to do next year other than text you and give you the under and over of when the meeting is going to end. Um, no, you've you've been, you know, my two years here have [clears throat] been tremendous,
uh, working with you. You've been extremely responsive, uh, whenever I needed you, had a question, and, uh, you know, I I wanted to thank you for your service. And, you know, you've, as as council president mentioned, you you've
worked on both the majority of Democrat councils and majority of Republican councils over the the last decade. And um I I just don't understand how you're as as an independent advisor to us, not
as a political adviser. And um I I want to say you've done a tremendous job. Thank you very much. And I will be voting yes for this. >> Are you hiring? [laughter] >> Councilwoman Toe. >> Thank you, Council President. Um, I think that some of the members on
council here are impugning motives that probably don't exist. I don't believe that this is a political decision. Um, so much as the incoming council majority would like the opportunity to hire its own counsel. I'm going to join council
member Calmanson in voting against this. Uh, I would say, but Councilwoman Camelson said that there were members of the public who didn't who spoke out against him. I don't know what that means. That doesn't sound like it's a council person
decision if she just said it. So, I'm not quite sure. And again, every single year, why is this next council so different than every single council
that has been elected over the last 30 or 40 years that get the city solicitor that gets appointed in November of the prior year. That is how it has always worked because you
need a city solicitor who sits on the deis January 1st. So I would love to hear why this incoming council is so special that they need a a different solicitor um unlike any other council
over the last 25 years. >> Would you like a response? >> Yes, absolutely. It was a question. >> Okay. I you you hadn't acknowledged me there. I wasn't certain. Thank you. Um >> this incoming council is thinking a
little differently. May and that certainly Mr. Gio will continue um until and unless he's replaced. Um but we we know how the vote is going to go tonight.
Is that may >> Oh, yes, please. Madame Mayor, >> I I just want to I think from a I sit in this building a lot here a lot of hours. um sometimes they want to throw me out, but the city staff really does rely on the professionals. And I do think that a
relationship um is important and the the sort of um trust and the the interactions and sort of the historical knowledge, the institutional knowledge that comes with having somebody that's consistent is really important. So I implore you to consider that when you
think about this. Councilman Ber. >> Uh, listen, I I think that the new majority has every right to make any change that they want to. The residents voted for these folks to come in and do
something different if they would like, just like how they voted for us two years ago, right? Um, and that's their prerogative, right? I would say though that um, do your research about Mr.
Mr. Gio and uh you may find that um he represents multiple different municipalities for a reason because he's good. So I mean you don't want to throw out the the baby with the bath water, right? So um what you see on television
or YouTube or whatever um that's not private legal counsel, though. Private legal counsel is different. the conversations that you have um one- on-one or with the group with your attorney is is that's where you're
you're rating a person, right? Like so I would say, you know, my my advice, you take it or leave it. Come in and see [snorts] how that council see how that council is, right? See how he advises
you and then, you know, make a fair judgment of what you would like to do. But again, the new majority has every right to come in and vote. This is a this is a councilheavy
government style, right? You have every right to make any changes that you want. The residents elected you to do it and um you know, but Mr. Jooie, I support you. I support this resolution though. Thanks,
>> Council President. Uh, Councilman Palowski, first, >> um, the [clears throat] the only thing that I would add to all this is if there were complaints about how meetings were being run, I don't know if they came yesterday
or six months ago, I would have liked to have heard those complaints. I would have liked to have had them passed on. And and when I spoke to um Councilwoman Toth about this, you know, her explanation as to why she didn't want to
uh go with this resolution was that, you know, it's been 10 years. It's time to go out for an RFP uh and see what else is out there. But sense I'm getting from this meeting is that the new council has already had discussions and decided that
they want to hire somebody new. And I would have appreciated knowing that, too. and why, you know, maybe I would have voted differently tonight, but I'm voting for this. >> Councilman Smallwood, uh, I just want to reiterate what Councilman Boy just said,
I I agree wholeheartedly with, and the the new council um has every right to make any decisions, but one of the things I I I want to touch upon is you may hear from residents about Mr. Jacobe, but he doesn't represent the
residents. He represents this council. He protects this council and he has done a phenomenal job over the last 10 years. His job is not to protect the residents. He's our attorney.
And you know I this is one of the things very few things that if a resident came up to me and said hey I don't like Mr. Tia Kobe Mr. Anonymous didn't like Mr. Gio. I think they made up for whatever
reason. >> Um but you know it it doesn't for me what I would explain to them like well listen he is our attorney. He represents us. He protects us. He makes sure he's he makes his job is to make sure that we
are doing everything within the legal structure of this council and I agree I from a payroll standpoint I I mentioned to Jennifer and uh Tammy I think Jennifer but uh Prime Point is our
payroll company. I think they've done a great job. I think they charge too much for their time in attendance. Uh, and I think that that should be on, you know, an RFP at some point within the next year. I think we just signed their contract uh within the last couple of
weeks. But, you know, again, what council president mentioned, you're an admin, you if this is something that you wanted to do to go out to RFP, then it it should have been on on the agenda. Uh, and it wasn't. But now that the
election's over and there's a new election, now all of a sudden you want to put it out to RFP, uh, or you're not going to support this resolution to, um, to support this. And I I I find that
that challenging. And again, he's here to protect us and he's done it for both Republicans and Democrats who have had the majority of this this day. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. Other comments?
All right. Uh, all in favor? >> I >> opposed. >> Nay. >> Motion carries. All right. Uh, law and labor number three, Councilman Palowski. >> I think this is to adopt the schedule. Actually, yeah. >> All right. Uh resol this is resolution
number or ID number 12221 to adopt uh the council meeting schedule for next year which specifies that there are no meetings in August. I move to uh pass this resolution.
>> I second. All right. Uh comments from the public. >> Uh good evening. Um just wondering if um does that have the change? Um because what I what I what I'm concerned about is is when you go to E code 360 and it
says the second and the fourth Tuesday, you know, here we are on a Monday. Last meeting was a Wednesday. Um, I just I think that that I just want to make sure that that's specified in the new meeting schedule because it's inconspicuous for people who aren't completely familiar
with the town. Um, it's cuz cuz I consider that it's like you're in violation of your own ordinance, you know. Um, I know you guys put out the annual notice. I'm not sure if you guys put the public I didn't really follow it like that but it's just
it should it should specify the day of the meeting as well. >> Thank you for your comments. Other comments from the public comments from council councilman Palowski. >> Excuse me.
>> Councilman Palowski. [laughter] Didn't I say that right? Uh [laughter] >> this I have a question for Rosie. um our municipal code, do we publish it on EC code 360? >> Yes.
>> Okay. And so, um I I want to make sure that when we pass our council rules next year, which is where we're going to include the specificity that's necessary that we uh make sure that we get that over to EC code 360.
>> It'll have to be an ordinance change in order to affectuate that. So if we change the council rule, but that isn't we just >> Yeah, the council rules, but I think what Mr. Anonymous is saying is that it doesn't drive with the council meeting
schedule that we put out. So because it doesn't specify the days, we just say Tuesdays every first and third. So we have to say that on occasion when it's necessary, we will either move it to Monday and sometimes Wednesday, okay?
Because that's how it works. or any other day we for occasionally we have a had a Thursday. >> Okay. Well, I uh gonna be on law and labor again, so I will make sure I do that so that Mr. Nobody doesn't have to tell me about it.
>> Thank you. Uh other comments, Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Uh yes, just a question. Um Bob, was there any discussion on eliminating one of the or maybe Rosie one of the November meetings? This is this is a tough um whether you win or lose in an election. This is a tough uh month.
You're literally rolling out of uh campaigning for several months. Not that we're complaining, but um it's difficult with elections and then having a meeting the day I think would have a meeting the day after the election. >> Yeah. I mean, my head wasn't even on. I mean, I was trying, but um I don't know.
Just just a question if there would be a way to combine and just have one meeting. I don't know. Anybody have any thoughts? I would love nothing better than to have one meeting, >> but there's bills to pay. >> Yeah, >> there's things that have to happen every two weeks. >> I understand.
>> And I just don't see that being a possibility. >> I really don't. I wouldn't recommend. >> Yeah, I understand. I just wanted to ask the question because I >> appointments especially. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Other comments from council. Councilwoman Toe, >> I was just going to point out that in
2026, unlike the last couple of years, there are no public school or no high school or middle school graduation on Tuesday. So, our second meeting in June will in fact be on the Tuesday and won't catch anyone up short this year, this
coming year. >> Uh, other comments. >> All right. All in favor? I >> opposed. Motion [clears throat] carries. All right. Uh, moving right along to capital projects and community services. Number one, Councilwoman Hamlet.
>> Thank you, Council President. This is number one of 12. So, everybody bear with me. I have a lot on the agenda tonight, so uh, ask for your patience. Uh, this is the first one. on resolution ID 12263 which is to award the bid for emergency sewer repair to mezora
excavating in the amount of 209,240 uh in accordance with the city treasur certification of availability and funds uh a copy of which is attached to this resolution and as recommend recommended in a memo from the city engineer uh bids uh were rewarded to the lowest
responsible bidder uh and that was measur excavating. I'd like to move this resolution. >> Second. >> Comments from the public, comments from council. >> All right. All in favor? >> I >> I opposed. Motion carries. All right.
Uh, capital projects number two. Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Thank you, Council President. I'd like to combine 12261 and 12262 if that's okay. >> Yeah, that'd be great. >> Great. So, these resolutions 12261 and 12262 are awarding the bids for Canoe
Brook Parkway improvement project in the amount of 1,234,567.89. uh in addition to awarding the bid uh for Mount Vernon Avenue and Kent Place Boulevard Improvement Project in the amount of $419,000 uh $85
and the Sorry, just give me one second since I'm combining these. Um, okay. So, the bid for Mount Vernon Avenue and Kent Place Boulevard, uh, was awarded to AJM Contractors in Clifton.
Right. That's right. Sorry. Coming. You just get to the next one. And the bid for Sorry, I knew I shouldn't have combined these and I get out of rhythm. Probably would have been easier. Aaron, the name of the for Cano Brook
>> through your council president's Portoino. >> That's right. Portoino. >> Springfield. >> Okay. Yep, I got it. Sorry about that. Yep. Portoino Builders out of Springfield. And all of the capital accounts are attached. So, um I'm really
excited to award these bids. Great job, Director Shreger. Um, we're going to be getting sidewalks on Mount Vernon. I knocked on all those doors. Everybody was supportive except for one or two households of those sidewalks. Uh, Canubber Parkway overwhelmingly uh wanted the sidewalks and uh just really
excited for the to keep those residents safe and it was a long process, but it was one uh I know you're going to be glad to put to bed, Director Shreger. just ask that um we work with the community and make sure that we take as little uh trees down as possible and just hold ourselves to a higher standard when it comes to that neighborhood
because we know we all know they'll be up here uh hollering if we don't get it right. So, I'd like to pass both of these resolutions. >> Second >> comments from the public, comments from council. I I would just Rosie and I were just commenting
so I just did the math. The total bid is 1 2 3 4 five 67.89 >> and I was like that that can't be right. But I just I just literally added it up. [laughter] >> It does come out to be that way.
>> Is that is that correct? >> We checked it numerous times as well. The question is [laughter] circumstantial or were they trying to be cute? Either way, it's pretty it's pretty impressive either way. But >> yeah, both ways. >> Yeah. Uh um other comments from the public or
the from council, I'm sorry. >> Uh the the only thing that I would like to say, council president, is that uh I'm I'm happy to see that a lot of the the drainage, the sewers were were included in there. I know that was a big concern of the residents. Uh flooding is
always a concern in Summit and to see that included in there was a big win. So, uh, thank you, Director Strager, for for adding that, thinking about that as well. >> Other comments from council.
>> Councilman Smallwood. >> Yes. I would just like to mention that the uh I'm really happy to to see that the Mount Vernon and Kemp Place project going through. I know this was uh cancelled two two years ago and uh they
they three years ago. Um, and they they've been waiting for this for a long time. And I I I remember walking on it uh about four weeks ago and it was getting about 5:30, 6:00 and
I I felt nervous, you know, walking around that little short bend and uh I I I couldn't imagine living on that street. So, I'm very happy for those residents. So, thank you, Erin, for for getting that done. Thank you. Other comments? Uh,
Councilman Palowski. >> Yeah, I just want to echo Councilman Ber on the drainage. Um, that's been my refrain throughout this process. You know, if if folks want the sidewalks, that's great. But I think initially when
we got this grant, drainage was a big focus. I've driven down there when we've had heavy rain, seen cars stalled out. So, I'm glad that we're going to take some measures to address that while we do this project. >> Thank you. Other comments.
All right. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion carries. All right. Capital projects number four. Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Thank you, Council President. Resolution 12205. Uh this is to authorize ESC New Jersey co-op contra contract purchase
for one vehicle lift in the amount of $56,31 uh in accordance with the city treasures certification uh with the account numbers attached uh which is attached to here uh pursuant to educational services commission of New Jersey cooperative
pricing contract 25 2425-14 uh purchase order in that amount uh to Hoffman Services uh in Newark. So, I'd like to uh move this resolution. >> Second. >> Comments from the public, comments from council.
>> All right. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carries. >> Capital projects number five. Councilwoman Hamilton. >> Uh, thank you, Council President. So, I'm just going to give a quick explanation um for my own sanity on this one. Um, so we just completed the
temporary repairs of the um of the tier garage. So, there was a lot of concrete falling from the >> [clears throat] >> um from the ceiling. So, we had passed a resolution a few weeks ago in order for those repairs, you probably do a much better job explaining this than me, in order for those prepare repairs to be uh
finished. Uh this resolution will give us authorization for ONS to do the plan for the entire garage going forward. Is that correct, Director Shreger? >> Yes, through you, Council President. What was done recently was the garage was made safe from daminated and uh
deteriorating concrete. We were able to open up a fair amount of spaces but that is just really opening spaces for now. Now we need to do the work. Um there is high estimates for what that work will you know cost but this is the cost to hire a professional. ONS is very reputable. They've been working for the
city for a little bit to prepare the construction bid documents and specifications for the next phase of that uh improvement. We will look at things about adding a roof, adding snow doors as well as um you know maintenance plans moving forward, but we'll also stage it so it's it might not be lump
sum at once. What's critical first and then you know move along over the next few years. So um so that's >> thank you director and I would just add that uh and I'll go through the the details on and is one of the um most highly regarded uh regarding parking lots and so uh the new council should be
in good shape to uh Claire to get that garage fixed. So, we'll pass this one along to you. Um, so this is resolution 12255 authorizing professional services agreement uh in excess of 17,500 uh for engineering services in the tier
garage rehabilitation not to exceed uh $78,000 for ONS associates. Uh, and I would like to move this resolution. I think we did enough explaining. >> Second. >> Thank you. Um, would any member of the public like to comment on this resolution?
All right. Uh, comments from council. Councilman Smallwood. >> Thank you, Council President. Uh, I was actually going to wait for my council comments at the end, but just in case people decide to, you know, turn off their TVs, uh, I might I'll just enter
it now. Say it now. Um, I'm I'm glad we're able to to get this done and because we were really jammed on parking and allowing, you know, having this done, I believe we're going to be able to open up our third level on Monday. Is that is that correct?
>> That's correct. Okay. Uh so we're going to be open up our third level on the tier garage on Monday and then after further review from ONS on the fourth we're going to keep that closed for now until further notice. Uh hopefully we'll
be able to get that open uh sooner rather than later. But at least I believe starting on Monday that we'll have the third floor of the tier garage open. So, it'll really help relieve some of the downtown parking for the employees and non and resident
commuters. >> Thank you. Uh, other comments from council. >> All right. Uh, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion carries. All righty. Um, moving right along. Uh,
capital projects number six, Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Okay. Still me. This is resolution 12275 authorizing uh state contract p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p purchase of spatial data logic uh SDL through Dell marketing. Uh the amount of this is
54,750 uh as a cost that we um we have every year which I'll talk about a little more in my comments, but um I'd like to pass this resolution. Second comments from the public,
>> comments from council. You >> just have one. >> Yeah, please. Councilwoman Hamlet. >> So, I think SDL for for anyone who is sort of a municipal government geek, it's actually a really is actually a pretty cool tool. Um, you can learn a lot about SDL. Uh, there are some things
right now and Austo and Director Shreger, you can opine on on what we're missing and I know that's sort of the um I talked with Austo about it today. That's some of the permitting we can't do digitally. Um I would be curious to see. So right now we have 25 users uh that are priced out in here at a rate of
like $2,100 each. And I used to sell something called Netswuite back in the day and and you'd be priced um per user, but sometimes they would give bulk pricing. So I'm curious if we if they would work with us at all. Probably not. Doesn't sound like it. Um because that it is a it is a hefty hosting price.
It's it's shocking. Um but yeah, you know, I think it's it is what it is. It doesn't seem like there's any better options. But if you have any comments, you know, >> through you, council president, I will say that um SDL is fundamental, not just in Summit, but in a lot of
municipalities because the bulk of all zoning permitting, UCCC permitting, engineering, storm water, drainage grading. Um all of those matters are saved in their databases. Um and we do recognize that is an it is an expensive service to use but um at least from my
time working with the division of land use we've made tremendous improvements uh uh now getting for example digital zoning cos out making the process simpler and it's the tool we have now it's the tool that works uh and we're going to be working to keep improving
with it. So thank you. >> Thank you. Other comments? All right. Uh, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Okay, moving right along. Uh, oh, motion carries. Um, uh, capital projects number
seven, Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Thank you, Council President. This is resolution 12250 authorizing the execution of memorandum of understanding with Rutgers University uh, for climate change related hazard vulnerability assessment services. Uh whereas the director of engineering and public works
director has advised that uh this will be required as part of the city's land use element during the upcoming re-examination of the master plan. Uh Ruckers University is conducting a pilot program to assist a select number of municipalities with the preparation of this at no cost to the participating
municipalities there therefore thereby providing the city with free technical services and valuable insight to the process. Um so I would like to move this resolution. Second >> comments from the public. >> Uh comments from councel.
>> All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Council Councilman Palowski. >> Um what kind of free advice do they give us? >> Yeah. And may I just get more specific
like can they convince people in this town it's time to put solar up >> on some of our buildings maybe on top of the tier garage. >> Well, it it's through your council president. I mean they'll just be preparing an element of the the master plan. So I mean obviously if if it's
done well and it's uh uh it might inspire people to do so, but yeah, it's something otherwise we'd be paying a consultant to do. uh likely our planner and even our planner said this is essentially a nobrainer because it's essentially something they're doing for free and this group at Ruckers is doing
this all over the state. So they're uh you know I'd call them the experts in it just because that's what they're immersed in. So um but but that will include items such as as that. So yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Councilwoman Hamlet. My only other comment, you don't have to answer me now, but there are a lot of
deadlines in this and and I think from a planning board perspective, it's really important to keep council informed and the planning board. For example, there's a lot of deadlines in here. Just giving you an example, um, April of 26 stakeholder resident survey closes. Like I just want to understand and make sure
that all of that is going back to Jenny and that if we're doing surveys and things, we have to make sure that this is all-encompassing of the entire government, not just the environmental commission. While I'm sure it's well intended and we're doing a great job, there has to be some more buyin from
residents. I mean, the first time I saw this was literally four days ago and it's a lot to take. So, I would say although the services are free, if this starts to burden our staff and isn't something that's consistent with what the planning board u may be looking at the master plan, um then we should certainly take pause and I would just
encourage you to make sure. I'm sure it could be totally fine and we need it. But if it's starting to create undue burden to the staff, then you know we should have those conversations, I would think. So, that's all. >> Thank you. Other comments. >> All right. All in favor?
>> I opposed. >> Motion carries. Uh, capital projects number nine, Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Thank you, Council President. This is 12253 authorizing the execution of a memorandum of under agreement between the NJ DOT and the city of Summit uh for
New Jersey commercial drivers license uh training services program. Uh, superintendent of public works advises that many of the vehicles and equipment in the DPW uh require a valid commercial driver's license CDL to operate. And in an effort to reduce CDL renewal costs
for DPD DPW staff and the city, the superintendent uh recommends the execution of an MOA with New Jersey Department of Transportation, which will provide CDL training to DPW staff at a reduced cost. I would like to move this resolution. >> Second,
>> comments from the public. >> Okay. >> Comments from council. >> All right. Uh all in favor? I >> I opposed. >> Okay. Motion carries. All right. Uh
moving along to um capital projects number nine. Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Sorry, I just need a breather for a second. So, I'm going into my close session packet. Okay. So, we are at this NW.
>> Yep. Okay. Okay, I'm on it. Sorry. Okay, this is Okay, here we go. Okay, so this is resolution as discussed in closed session 12277
authorizing redevelopment consulting services uh for NW Financial Group not to exceed $40,000. Uh the city of Summit has a need to acquire >> No. Um, you skipped number nine. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You're on number nine. You're doing 10. >> Harman Holdings. >> Harmon holdings. >> Mhm.
>> Okay. Can we just go with this one or no? >> No, let's do it in order so people following at home can understand. >> Okay. Sorry. I go back. Do you have it pulled up? Can I just
have yours? It's before that one. >> It's right before 1277. Yeah, it's 12210. >> Sorry. >> Okay. All right. Uh, this is 12210 authorizing the execution of the affordable housing agreement between the
city of Summit and Broad Morris Rentals LLC and Harmon Holdings LLC. Whereas, pursuant to the March 2024 amendments to the Fair Housing Act, uh the city of Summit filed a declaratory judgment action on June 22nd, 2025 with the
affordable housing dispute resolution program. And the city was required to prepare and adopt a fourth round housing element and fair share plan, which the city adopted with the planning board on June 23rd, 2025, endorsed with the common council on June 24, 2025, and submitted to the program for review on
June 25th, 2025. Uh whereas Broad Morris Rentals LLC and Harmon Holdings LLC collectively own block 408 lots 89 and 11 uh Aaron after the property and intend to develop a mixeduse inclusionary project on the property. Uh
the proposed project consists of 20 residential units which will contain uh consist of 16 market rate units, four creditworthy affordable housing, family rental units which is a 20% set aside and a maximum of 5,000 ft² of ground commercial space. a maximum total of
5,000 square foot of basement storage associated with the commercial use and/or the residential use. Um may uh sorry uh in conjunction with ongoing efforts to satisfy the obligations of the FHA and the judicial requirements of
the Mount Laurel docu doctrine, city has deemed it appropriate to take certain actions in support of the project and I would like to move this resolution. >> Second. Thanks. >> Thank you. Uh comments from the public. All right. Uh, comments from council. Councilman Ber.
>> Thank you, council president. I just would like to remind the the public that this particular project is written into our round four plan. Uh, it's filed with the affordable housing dispute resolution program. Uh this means that
we have represented to the state and to the courts that this project is a part of our strategy. Uh so failing to sign this agreement now would essentially say that yeah we adopted this plan but uh we
we're not actually going to implement it. That creates both a credibility problem and a compliance problem for the city. So second, not approving this plan uh has legal repercussions
and some practical uh consequences. So if we walk away from this, Harmon can come back and say that you did not act in good faith and we're going to go to mediation and we're going to ask for a
bigger uh project there and make more money and different things. And I think the city would be in in more of a have have more of an issue there. So I think that signing this right now uh is something or agreeing to this right now
is something that we need to do. It's our round four obligation and uh any outside of that is uh negligible. So thank you council president. >> Thank you. Other comments? Uh Councilwoman Hamlet. Um just for to remind the public, this was initially
going to be a 33 unit um all residential building. Um and most of it could have been built as of right. Um so this council, all seven of us, um while we were deliberating, which now I'm allowed to say, uh was 100% unanimous on supporting this project. So um it was
disappointing uh to see some push back when we actually made the project uh we were able to make it a lot better. So we were able to turn it into a 20 unit development um with retail on the bottom and then there would be a showroom on underneath that. So essentially uh
really reducing the traffic impact because with 33 units uh as our planner um testified to multiple times uh there would have been more traffic um and and just so that everybody knows the rendering that has been sent around to 22,000 houses was not the correct
rendering. We actually don't have that yet. Um they haven't produced that. So, uh hopefully the new council will show the appropriate rendering um when that comes. >> Thank you. Other comments? Councilman Smallwood. >> Thank you, Council President. I I would like to say that this was included in
our affordable housing plan because the other projects that were rejected were were 10 times the size. This was literally the smallest project that we put in our plan. and you know going
through the negotiations as Councilwoman Hamlet mentioned when you when you work with them initially and they're reasonable and we're reasonable. We're able to go from 33 units to 20 units. We're also able to have them negotiate retail on the
bottom. We're also able to negotiate a setback so that there's some space between the sidewalk and the building. I think uh Gussy, you can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think if you go down there now, there is no setback
currently. >> Uh no, there wouldn't be. And um as everything is still pending, there's been tremendous communication from our affordable housing attorney and our planner uh with uh Harmon Holdings and Broad Morris Rentals LLC. It's been a
constant back and forth. Um so getting to this agreement, it's a huge benefit to the city and to them. Um, I personally just look forward to having this done and resolved, right? >> Um, you know, with having these affordable h housing rounds going
closing number three and starting number four, um, we we do have an obligation and I would challenge anyone to tell to show me anywhere in summit where it's not overdeveloped, where it's not going to create traffic, where it's not going
to affect our schools, if we have to build affordable housing units. We have to work with developers. Uh and what we need to do and I'm I'm going to challenge the new council to keep fighting for those smaller developments
like just like we did for around four. Um you know, this is something that we we have to do. We have no more land. you know, we're we're we're you know, it's it's hard enough fighting for field space for our youth, you know, um you
know, let alone more affordable housing and developments. Uh so I I I would again I would challenge anyone in Summit to tell me where it's wherever you put a development, it it's going to be overcrowded. We're putting more people into our town, more cars, more children
for our schools, and it's something that we need to to to fight as a council, as residents, to make sure that we're doing it responsibly. If it's a requirement, that's something that we have to do, but we can still do it responsibly. So, with that, thank you,
Council President. >> Thank you. Other comments? Yeah, I I would just reiterate, you know, what um I actually Harman Holdings was um very reasonable to deal with. Um
they understood what what this where the city was around all this and we had a very good constructive dialogue and I think we got to a pretty good place uh with this particular development. The reality is it kind of it conforms with the existing
zoning already with a tweak or two but very very minimal tweaks. Um so we we had a a good agreement. I agree this is part of our process for round four. Um, I don't think anyone is against development per se, as long as it's
consistent with the character of our city and we understand like we also want to promote affordable housing as well within the guidelines of, you know, not changing, you know, blowing up the character of our of our town and and I
think this um particular development fits both of those criteria. So, uh, I am supportive of this as well. Okay. Uh, all in favor? I >> I opposed. >> Motion carries. All right. Uh, now we're
on to capital projects number 10. Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Okay. Three more to go. Uh, thank you, Council President. 12277, authorizing the redevelopment consulting services for NW Financial Group not to exceed $40,000. Whereas the city of
Summit has a need to acquire specialized redevelopment consulting services for two economic feasibility studies in connection with pending litigation for the fourth round of affordable housing as a non-fair and open contract. Uh whereas the anticipated term of this contract is upon project completion of
two sight specific feasibility studies through the remainder of 2025. Uh whereas Northwest um group has submitted a proposal upon request for these services. Um, I would like to move this resolution. >> Second. Comments from the public.
Comments from council. >> Yeah. Council president. >> Yes, please. >> I think you'll probably you'll probably say it how important this is. Um, you know, when when you have uh developers come in and say that um you know, hey, we we need to build here and
we're not exceeding our profitability. How do you how do you fight that, right? Like how do you um what's your what's your counter to that? Right? I I think this is important for us to actually um hire someone to go out there and and uh
give us the information that we need so that we can make, you know, a vital and good decision. So, I'll just say that, but you'll probably speak a little more about it. Thank you. >> Yep. Thank you. Uh other comments from council? Yeah, I I would just say as Councilman
Ber pointed out this with the process that has been created uh by the legislature, you know, the developers do this for a living. They they have their numbers, etc. They they make all
these uh statements about what's feasible, what's not feasible. And unless you're investing in professionals who can give you information, I mean, no one up here to my knowledge is a developer. So, um, we need to have some
people who can put some real numbers on this so we can have a negotiation. And this is all about having a negotiation. But yet again, this is uh another check that that taxpayers
need to write because the system that is in place is I'm going to say it. It's ridiculous. It it's you you know I I don't know how you make this up, but they made it up. Um and yet this is another thing. So I this is necessary
kind of have to do it. Um and and uh I'm hoping that the numbers they they will help us defend the city's position. So I am in favor. Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Yeah, this was I spent a lot of time and talking to Austo about this today, but this is actually really helpful um not
only for the taxpayer but for elected officials because it gives you a tool as as Mike said, none of us are developers. Um municipalities don't have to allow more density uh because of what's called a windfall. So if a developer is getting a windfall, right, which is pro profits
that exceed uh x amount, um we are allowed to challenge that. We are allowed to say that you don't deserve a windfall. It flies in the face of Mount Laurel. And when you look at the numbers and the different scenarios, it's very eye opening. Um and you can have a very
very intelligent and unbiased objective conversation with your colleagues and you can really determine what a windfall is. Um it's very this is probably the best money we've spent. Uh they are super professional, super helpful. Um I just want to thank them for all their
time this week and last week. Uh it's been an eye openener for me and and Claire, I'm going to follow up with you and and just sort of let you know what I've come up with over the last couple days to make sure you guys are set up for success in in 26. >> Thank you. Other comments?
>> All right. Uh all in favor? >> I >> opposed. Okay. Motion carries. Uh, capital projects number 11, Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Okay, I'm coming. All right. Sorry.
Sorry. Okay, we are at >> Okay. Yep. Okay. This is uh >> reappoint. >> I know, but resolution's not matching up on my >> this construction. Yeah, but in my memo it's Oh, never
mind. I It's But it's saying in this Rosie, it's saying it's saying here. It's saying 4014. >> No, this is the old resolution that originally appointed. >> Okay. >> So, you want to go to the previous one
which is not here. So, >> it's okay. >> It's okay. I'll go with it. >> It's important to note that he's achieved with his reappoint. >> Okay. >> So, this is resolution 12252 which is to reappoint
uh construction official. Uh this is for Ralph U Mariato to the position of construction official for the city. Uh Ralph was initially appointed to the position in February of 2021 for a statutory term of four years which expires at the end of this year. um per
NJSA52 col27D-126, this additional appointment would grant him tenure. Um we've all had the privilege of working with Ralph. Uh he's just phenomenal uh true asset to the city and I couldn't be more excited to uh introduce this resolution for
approval. >> Second. >> All right. Uh comments from the public, >> comments from council. >> Declare a vacancy. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carries. All right. Last capital projects and community
services number 12. Councilwoman Hamlet. >> Uh this is resolution 12239 which is declaring a vacancy in the department of community services uniform construction code division uh part-time plumbing mechanical inspector. I would like to move this resolution and declare the
vacancy. >> Second. >> All right. Uh any member of the public wish to comment on this resolution? >> All right. Comments from council. >> All in favor? I >> I >> Okay. Uh motion carries. All right. Um
we're on to the consent agenda at this time. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. Um would any member of the public like to comment on any item in
the consent agenda at this time? Give me a second. No. Okay. Uh uh members of council, councilwoman Hamlet, >> just because I don't I forget what this was. Director Sugar, can you just give the public um for Dormis and Orchard Street the improvements? Just ballpark.
You don't have to go into specifics. >> Certainly through you, Council President. Uh two capital improvement projects that are on there. Orchard Street, uh just because some residents reached out. It's only the city-owned portion which goes from essentially the culde-sac where it ends at the top down
to uh Morris Avenue. So mostly milling and paving, sidewalk um restoration, a little bit of drainage and sanitary sewer work. Uh for Daris started predominantly as a sanitary sewer project since there are some houses that weren't connected into a sewer line. So
that's being addressed but it gives us an opportunity to also look at uh the street itself curbing drainage uh you know nothing m I mean it's major construction but it's not generally altering the state of the roads that exist there. Um but with Daris, we are also able to get into Williams and Seer
Street. So we'll take care of that neighborhood. Um those those three streets as well. So um but they they should go out. Should be early spring construction assuming we get good bids. >> Great. Thank you. Other comments from council.
>> All right. Um all in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carries. Okay. Um at this time we are on the public comment section of our meeting. Um any member of the public would like to approach the dis uh with a public com Oh and thank
you for our city professionals for staying. Have a good evening. Drive safe. >> Um if any member of the public who would like to uh approach the dis and make a public comment, please I would ask you just state your name, your address and please try and limit your comments to
three minutes or less. Good evening. My name is Anthony Lee. I am My I My address is in East Hanover, New Jersey. Is that sufficient? >> Yep, that's fine. >> Thank you. um here today.
So, so there is a state piece of legislation called the immigrant trust act. Um obviously this is a town council meeting. I'm speaking about it here tonight because the because it has been
having been stalled in the assembly. Um so immigrant rights act uh immigrant rights groups and advocates are asking local uh um lo uh local councils to uh make their make resolutions make
resolutions pledging to do this do the like um the act would create clear policies to limit the num amount of the questions
about immigration status. uh when people are receiving public services. Um so to be only those that would be absolutely necessary to receive those services. Um would keep that information would keep that information
from uh national immigration enforce ICE immigration enforcement. um and would require and would require police, local police to report on any
collaboration they have with ICE. Uh the point of this is to allow immigrants who are a part of our communities. We can have disagreements about how um about how about
illegality, the processes of becoming a citizen, such and such, but they are a part of our communities. Um the sorry collecting my thoughts. Um and the point is that they can that these people can
access essential services like healthcare, education, um uh without being afraid. And if you turn on the news for any given amount of time, uh
there's plenty of reason to be a afraid. uh people who are in the system legally who are coming to their immigration appointments only to be trapped at the at the um at the door of their appointments. Um
judges who try to warn them warn them about this who themselves get who themselves have been apprehend and the themselves have been apprehended uh for trying to warn them that they're going to be cornered. uh people who are
pe uh people who are citizens being taken away by ICE. Um also I know I'm about out of time. Just want to add uh Perthboy and Raway city councils have uh adopted such
resolutions. I would encourage you all to do the same. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for your comments. >> Thank you. >> Right. other member of the public. Any other members of the public wish to comment? >> Good evening, council president, mayor.
Um, anonymous. Um, yes. So, I I wasn't really going to come to the meetings anymore and stuff for a little bit. I was going to do it next year when there was a new transition of power, new council, whatnot. Um, but I figured, you know, there's a lot of
things I didn't get to mention over the last couple meetings with all the other things that had happened and stuff. It kind of diverted my attention away from some of the other things or whatever. And I do want to put on the record um, you know, some of the stuff that um,
I've been dealing with in terms of um, like constant like harassment and um, like defamation and slander, you know. um just somebody who comes to me and I love these meetings. I love coming to these meetings, you know, here in all
the other towns that I go to. I enjoy this. I like a little bit of trash TV here and there, but this is generally what I enjoy doing. I like coming to these meetings. So, you know, I'm not even running. And it's amazing the amount of like
attacking and harassment, you know, and this and that. Um people online calling me a sex offender. Um, I got a death threat back in September. I got a death threat through the chair to councilman board. I got a
death threat like you know. So I want to put this on the record because I I I I think a lot of you would be surprised if you'd realize the kind of attacks that I've dealt with, the kinds
of harassment. And through the chair to Matt, I do like you. You are a good lawyer. It's okay. You can also, you know, disagree with people and be critics and still like them, you know, but I'm glad we made up. Um, but yeah, it's absurd. It's it's it's it's ridiculous. I'm somebody who
comes to meetings and I speak my mind and uh I have views and I have uh firm beliefs and stuff. You know, part of the reason why I come to meetings and how I got involved in this was I've been wronged my whole life by people in authority positions,
principles, teachers, parents, police officers, priests. I've never even told my family about this, but during a face-to-face confession with a priest when I was about 10 years old, he inappropriately was touching me as I'm given a confession
as I'm remaining uh vulnerable by people you're supposed to entrust. Um, so yeah, so I take issues with people in authority positions and I like to challenge unchecked power. Um, I brought my magic eightball back. This is my virtual magic
eight-ball. And this thing's great because it gives you the answers. You know, it's artificial intelligence. And uh you give it a you sign it a personality. This one's named Georgina. And um I'm going to ask Georgina. You got to shake it just like the old one.
Um what kind of a person would make remarks like this? Would make death threats? What kind of a person would do something like that? Give it a shake. This AI magic eightball can ensure you that the person making these remarks and death threats is categorized as a
cowardly s with no balls lacking love in their personal life. >> All right, you got Thank you. >> It's AI for you. >> Thank you, Council. >> Thank you for your comments. >> All right, other comments from the public. All right. Uh seeing none, I'm going to
wrap up public comment section. We're on now to council member comments and new business. Now's our chance. >> Council President. >> Yes, Councilman Boyer. >> So, the Summit Housing Authority will be hosting its Thanksgiving dinner for residents at Vita Gala this Saturday. Um
members of Pilgrim Church. We'll [snorts] be preparing the food and putting together festive items for everyone. Um I know that the residents there are really looking forward to it. I'm a big I'm a big fan now. I'm I'm hooked with with with the folks at Vita
Gala, I got to tell you. Um but uh if you would like to support that effort, I know it's giving season. Um uh please consider donating to Pilgrim Church. Uh just want to let you know that. Um if that's something that you would like to
do, you can always hit me up on Facebook and I'll put you in touch with the right person. Um [snorts] secondly, uh just would like to say that it is that season. I'm a cyber security guy.
It's that season when folks are getting a lot of emails because they want you to click on links and stuff like that, especially on Facebook and different things. Um please be aware that there are a lot of fraudsters out there. uh if if you get an email saying that somebody
accessed your bank account, they probably didn't. Don't click on it, right? Like, you know, put MFA, multifactor authentification, with everything you got. Uh if you have an iPhone, it's pretty cool because the face recognition is pretty good. So,
please be aware of the of these things. Um, the FBI has put out multiple different warnings about this and a lot of people don't take it that serious, but uh, these fraudsters, I'll call them, because I'm I'm a little older. Um, they they kind of they're annoying. They kind of ruin people's lives for a
little bit, you know. So, be careful. Be on the lookout. And, uh, that's it. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you, Councilman Ber. Other comments, >> Councilwoman Hammond, >> just a two second one. Happy belated birthday to Rosie. Um, just want to say
thank you for for everything. [applause] >> I've never met anybody who works harder for the city and uh just want to say thank you for everything. You put in more hours in two days than most people put in in 10. Um, I've just never seen a work ethic like yours. Happy birthday.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Other comments, >> Councilman Palowski. >> Thank you. [clears throat] So, um, some of you may know we lost a longtime resident,
um, friend and huge contributor to the Summit community. Uh, yesterday, Toby Wesson departed this world, surrounded by his large and loving family. Um, Mr.
Wesson, as I've called him since the fifth grade, was instrumental in raising funds for renovations to St. Teresa's church and Overlook Hospital. He uh pretty much started Summit Hockey uh uh
founding the club team uh at the high school in the 80s uh which uh shortly thereafter became a very successful varsity program. Um the team's unsung hero award is called the Toby Wesson
Award to this day. I uh I could say more, but nothing I will say will do him justice. So, I'll end by saying we'll miss you, Mr. Wesson. Um and the Hill Topper community is better for having known you.
>> Thank you for those comments. Other comments from council? >> Yeah, I I'll just wrap up and say um I'm sorry that you've gone through that, Mr. Anonymous. Um, you know, we talk about
this a lot. We can dis we should be able to disagree and um certainly there is no room at all for for violence at all in our political discourse. And I find it a little sad
and gets me angry that people can have to continue to reiterate that. Should go without saying. it should be just a non-starter that that that no one would ever go there. But you have to continue to to reinforce that that there is no
part and and that would just lead me my segue to my next comment. You know, we've got Thanksgiving coming up. Um Thanksgiving is a time for family. Sit next to someone you disagree with. Have a conversation with them. Okay? uh
it's a good time, you know, to to come through disagreements and and such and um and so I do want to just wish everyone out there a very uh wonderful Thanksgiving. Be with your loved ones. Uh we have a lot to be thankful for. We
have a lot of things that we could do better, but we great being grateful is a is a very good positive mental health exercise. And I would encourage people to look on the bright side of things and what we have and to give thanks for that. And uh next week is a perfect
opportune time to do that. So that is my comments. >> Thanks. >> All right. Um >> council president. >> Yes. Uh since Matt said 950, I got 10 minutes to [laughter] [laughter] >> I would like to make a motion to
adjurnn. I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> All right, we are ajourned.