At the meeting, firefighter Christopher Esposito was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant with many members of his family and first responders from around the State of NJ in attendance.

Mayor Nora Radest reported on the Louis Bay Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship program and free tax preparation assistance available in New Providence. Administrator Michael Rogers reported on the 2023 municipal budget process, about which we'll receive a more thorough update in the coming weeks, and upcoming events for the Summit Free Market. More information is available on the city website at www.cityofsummit.org.

Council President Vartan shared condolences for Councilman Russell Heller of Milford, who was tragically killed last week and acknowledged the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine, expressing support for Ukrainians who are bravely defending their nation. And though no official actions were on the agenda related to the closure of Maple Street, Councilmember Levine shared an update on the ongoing work to evaluate a seasonal closure. As this was our last meeting in Black History Month, Councilmember Hairston recognized the career and honored the memory of Police Chief Lonnie Davis, the first black man in Summit to hold that position.

A hearing was held on a bond ordinance to fund Summit's portion of a flood mitigation project at our wastewater treatment plant in Elizabeth. This is an important shared service and upgrades to the facility are essential infrastructure. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide reimbursement for 90% of Summit’s portion of the funds; the ordinance was adopted unanimously.

An ordinance was introduced to add four-way stop signs at the intersection of Blackburn Road and Prospect Street. The hearing for the ordinance will be held at the March 7 council meeting.

Several resolutions related to the temporary municipal operating budget were adopted. Other adopted resolutions include:

• Authorization of a renewal of the shared services agreement with New Providence for wastewater operations and maintenance;
• Confirmation of appointments of volunteers to the Summit Public Art and Recycling Advisory committees;
• Executions of annual licensing agreements for sidewalk cafes for Winberie's Restaurant & Bar and The Office Tavern Grill/Piattino: A Neighborhood Bistro;
• Promotions of Police Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant after the retirement of a Captain;
• Authorization of two grant applications related to public safety equipment and supplies.

The public comment section featured several speakers on a range of topics from neighborhood parking to the proposed seasonal closure of Maple Street.

At the end of the meeting, several councilmembers shared updates on their committee work:

• Councilmember Hamlet reported on a positive meeting with Union County's new Director of Parks and Recreation about when rehabilitation work will begin on the pond at Briant Park and the upcoming renovation of Mabie Playground;
• Councilmember Allen shared information about the city's internship program for college students. This is the first year that interns will be paid.
• Councilmember Hairston shared information about an upcoming concert called Still I Rise, a collaboration between Christ Church and Fountain Baptist Church to be held Sunday March 5 at 4PM at Christ Church.