2 Councilwomen Sworn In At Summit Meeting, New Council President Selected

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit Common Council held its annual reorganization meeting on Tuesday night, which included the swearing-in of two council members, as well as the selection of a new Council President.

Councilwoman Delia Hamlet was sworn into the Ward 1 seat, replacing former Councilman Danny O'Sullivan, and Councilwoman Lisa Allen was once again sworn into the Ward 2 seat.

Council President Marjorie Fox then nominated Councilman Greg Vartan to serve as the new Council President, as her term as president has now expired. The council unanimously voted to elect Vartan as the new Council President.

Vartan than honored Fox by presenting her with a ceremonial gavel, as well as recognizing her tenure on council during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During her tenure, Vartan said the council was able to close Maple Street for outdoor dining, create parklets and allow for creative use of public spaces. He said this allowed the downtown to thrive, which is currently at 99 percent occupancy.

Fox also helped to establish the vaccine clinic to ensure that most vulnerable community members had access to the vaccine and to prevent the hospital from becoming overwhelmed.

"I applaud her selflessness, her commitment to duty," Vartan said. "I'm glad for the opportunity to continue serving alongside her."

In addition, Councilwoman Susan Hairston was selected unanimously by the council to serve as the Council President pro tempore.

Mayor Nora Radest then delivered her 2023 state of the city address.

"Many of you that are here tonight have heard me say that Summit’s greatest asset is its corps of volunteers," Radest said. "We all want to make Summit the best it can be for our residents, businesses, and visitors. By working together for the benefit of others we get to know one another as neighbors."

She also mentioned that when people share ideas, it helps to improve plans and projects — particularly with the Broad Street West redevelopment project.

"As an example, the original Broad Street West Redevelopment project plan was scrutinized by residents and was found to be wanting," she said. "Council listened and will not build anything on the lot between the library and YMCA. I am confident that a building will be built on the current firehouse lot that will satisfy most, if not all, residents. I am hopeful that all of us will hit the reset button and have respectful and productive discussions."

Radest also spoke about an "increase in incivility" among residents, which she said "disturbs" her.

"We will not always agree on how to do things, but we must get better at listening to each other and being respectful of our differences," she said.

"I recognize that we, your leaders, must regain a measure of trust that we lost last year. I pledge to do everything in my power to raise the level of trust. Every person on the dais and sitting in this chamber or watching at home wants what is best for Summit. Working well together will get us there."

You can listen to the mayor's full address, as well as the entire council meeting on YouTube.