Summit's Common Council takes up a new stop sign, a department head hire and more than $22.5 million in short-term borrowing Wednesday, Sept. 9.

The public session begins at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 512 Springfield Ave., following a closed session at 5:30 p.m., according to TAPinto Summit.

Four-way stop at Canoe Brook and Woodland

Council members are set to introduce an ordinance converting the intersection of Canoe Brook Parkway and Woodland Avenue into a four-way stop, according to the city's posted agenda. The intersection is not among the eight locations covered by a separate stop sign ordinance introduced at the July 7 meeting, which added signs at Canoe Brook Parkway and Beverly Road and seven other spots, according to NJ 21st coverage.

The ordinance introduction follows a city back-to-school safety push. Summit Police Traffic Lt. Charlie Daly said in an Aug. 31 city release that pedestrian safety "is always a priority for Summit Police, but it's particularly important during back to school."

New Community Services director

The council is scheduled to appoint a new director of the Department of Community Services, replacing longtime director Aaron Schrager. The department oversees public works, engineering and many of the city's largest infrastructure projects, TAPinto reported. The name of the incoming director has not been publicly announced.

$22.5 million in short-term financing

Council members will also consider authorizing more than $22.5 million in short-term financing for 2026 capital projects. The measures would allow up to $9.948 million in bond anticipation notes for previously approved municipal, sewer and parking improvements and $12.606 million in temporary notes for school improvements authorized last year.

The borrowing does not represent new spending. It would let the city borrow on a short-term basis for work already authorized under earlier bond ordinances, according to TAPinto.

Two other agenda items carry dollar signs. The council will consider raising the city solicitor's 2026 spending ceiling by 40%, from $250,000 to $350,000, amid pending litigation. Four budget amendments totaling $151,542.11 in opioid settlement revenue are also on the table.

Council Finance Committee Chair Chantal Landman and Councilmember Jaclyn Lasaracina announced Monday, Sept. 7, that the council is seeking residents' recommendations on how Summit should spend its remaining opioid settlement funds. They called on residents to weigh in on priorities including substance-misuse prevention, overdose reduction and youth education.

Summit has received nearly $1 million in opioid settlement money. In May, the city appointed Police Sgt. Kathy Maggiulli as its Addiction, Coordination and Treatment officer, a position funded through the settlement.

How to watch

Wednesday's meeting will be broadcast live on the City of Summit YouTube channel, Comcast Channel 36 and Verizon Channel 30. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.