County Taxes, Equinox, Police Vehicles Top Council Meeting

Summit Common Council convened in City Hall Tuesday night with a large agenda to cap off their last meeting scheduled for this summer.

Prior to discussing agenda items, two Equinox fitness center representatives spoke to council. Equinox has been at 68 River Rd. in Summit for more than one year. Regional Sales Manager Brian Grogan and Membership Advisor Thomas McManus said they want to make the Summit community healthier but also give back to the community.

Council members passed a resolution supporting Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz's bill introduced before the assembly to establish a commission to study the effectiveness of county government in New Jersey. Council members and residents alike have expressed their frustrations about the county increasing taxes over 2 percent every year and getting little in return.

Four new police vehicles - one SUV and three Dodge Chargers - were approved under a purchase lease buy program, which will allow vehicles to be replaced every three years since they get a lot of wear and tear. The vehicles will cost $73,792.01.

A Summit resident also donated a 2006 Dodge Magnum RT for the Summit Police Department D.A.R.E. Program, which is valued at $18,000.

Two ordinances - one amending Municipal Services fees and another establishing sewer user fees for 2013 - were approved.

Four ordinances were introduced with public hearings set for Sept. 3, the next date council will meet. There are two bond ordinances, one for improvement projects on Essex Road and another for improvement projects on Montview Road, Magnolia Place, Primrose Place and Surrey Road. There are also two amendments to traffic ordinances, one limiting parking on Edgar Street to two hours and the other limiting the speed limit to 25 mph on Ashland Road between Pine Grove Avenue to Elm Place.

Other highlights include the council's approval of eight citywide interns for this summer, a $39,200 donation to revamp the Promenade in downtown Summit, authorization to advertise bids for improvement projects on Middle Avenue and DeForest Avenue, and authorizing city salaries for 2013.

Check back for more details from the Summit Common Council meeting.