The proposed ordinance to impose fines for unauthorized entry into vehicles and homes dominated much of the Summit City Council meeting’s agenda. The ordinance sought to establish a municipal fine of $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for subsequent offenses, a move aimed at deterring the recent spike in car thefts and home invasions in Summit. Councilwoman Delia Hamlet spoke in favor of the ordinance. However, Councilman Minegar raised concerns about the ordinance’s language, potential ambiguities that could lead to unintended violations, and the motion to table the ordinance for further discussion was not seconded, leading to its continuation in the debate.

Councilman Jamel Boyer highlighted the psychological impact of thefts and break-ins on victims and the community’s need for resident protection. Boyer’s emphasis on the ordinance was mirrored by Councilman Greg Vartan, who noted that it would add an extra layer of deterrence for potential criminals. Councilwoman Lisa Allen shared her concerns that the ordinance’s vague language could result in increased calls to the police for benign activities, potentially leading to unnecessary encounters with law enforcement. The ordinance passed for final consideration despite reservations expressed by some council members and residents.

The closure of Maple Street for outdoor dining, a measure initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, was another contentious topic at the meeting. The closure’s supporters, like architect and urban planner Michael Dasta, praised the unique downtown experience it created and suggested that safety concerns could be mitigated with temporary measures. Property owner Bruce Thuroff proposed a rotational closure of multiple streets to be fair to all restaurant owners and the establishment of an outdoor food court as an alternative solution.

However, opponents like retired police chief Bill Schneller and business owner Brienne Tamaro Palcio expressed concerns that the closure presented challenges for emergency services and raised safety issues for pedestrians and traffic flow. Some residents, like 30-year local Philip Angelo, criticized the closure for creating traffic congestion and an unfair advantage for certain businesses. The council discussed the prospect of conducting a more comprehensive survey to reflect the residents’ definition of a seasonal closure and the potential economic impact on local businesses.

Aside from these major discussions, the council also celebrated community milestones and achievements. Mayor Elizabeth Fagan and Councilman Boyer led a swearing-in ceremony for Tyler Kidd, who was officially appointed as a career firefighter with the Summit Fire Department. Additionally, Mayor Fagan announced upcoming events, including a Black History Month celebration, and Councilman Boyer delivered an emotional tribute to decorated soldier David Noel Morton.

The meeting addressed several other issues, including new state regulations on stormwater management, with an ordinance presented by Councilwoman Hamlet. The council also considered an ordinance to protect residents from trespassing with the intent to commit a crime, introduced by Councilman Boyer. Public comments highlighted the need for creating deterrents for criminal activities and the ordinance’s potential impact on residents’ safety.

Council members also expressed their desire to engage the community and business owners downtown more proactively. They discussed organizing a night for the community to converse about downtown engagement, addressing business owners’ opinions, safety concerns, and the impact of potential street closures on the restaurant community and the affordability of the area’s restaurants for the wider public.