Summit Common Council Meeting June 2026

Board of Education Appointments Draw Process Objection

Mayor Elizabeth Fagan appointed Kimberly Gianis and Jenny Hoff to the Summit Board of Education. At the meeting, she pushed back against criticism of the selections.

"To attack their qualifications is purely political," Fagan said.

Council Member Jaclyn Lasaracina said the objection had nothing to do with the appointees.

"No one has questioned the qualifications of the appointees," Lasaracina said. "What I did question was what I consider to be a failure of proper process and engagement that is put into our district bylaws for a reason."

The appointments reflect broader friction between the mayor's office, the council, and local boards over how municipal authority is exercised in Summit.

Mayor Vetoes Maple Street Outdoor Dining Ordinance

Fagan vetoed an ordinance that would have permitted outdoor dining on Maple Street, saying city engineers and public safety authorities would not sign off on it.

"The council majority knew exactly what they were doing when they voted for an ordinance that could not legally be signed off on by our engineers, our public safety authorities, or the mayor," she said.

Council members disputed that account. Lasaracina said staff and council members worked together on the proposal for several months, that the legal interpretation was not settled, and that comparable outdoor dining arrangements operate in other New Jersey municipalities.

No override vote was taken at the meeting.

Speaking Time Limit Applied to Elected Officials

Council President Claire Toth imposed a three-minute comment guideline on all speakers at the meeting — including council members and the mayor. Previously, the three-minute limit applied only to public comment. Toth said she consulted with the city clerk beforehand.

"Residents are held to three minutes," Toth said. "It's a discipline. It helps people communicate."

Council Member Jamel Boyer said the change required a formal vote.

"There should have been a motion on the floor and a vote," Boyer said. "You can't tell me right before the meeting that you've changed the rules."

Toth said after the meeting that the approach may be revised based on resident feedback.

What Else the Council Handled

The council passed an ordinance 5-1 authorizing the subdivision of municipal property at 701 Springfield Ave. A nonprofit will use the site to construct and operate a group home for individuals with special needs, fulfilling a requirement under Summit's affordable housing agreement. The matter now goes to the planning board.

Assistant Department of Community Programs Director David Guida updated the council on work at Mabie and Tatlock playgrounds and outlined upcoming improvements at the Community Center and Memorial Field.

Council Member Lasaracina noted the council has also been working on budget matters and traffic improvements.

Coming Up in Summit

Summit Has Pride is scheduled for June 14. A two-part Juneteenth celebration runs June 19 and 20. Full details are at cityofsummit.org/events.

FAQ

Why did Mayor Fagan veto the Maple Street outdoor dining ordinance?
Fagan said city engineers and public safety officials declined to sign off on the measure and that the council proceeded knowing it could not be legally executed. Council members disagreed, saying the legal interpretation was not clear-cut and that similar outdoor dining setups exist elsewhere in New Jersey.

What was the dispute over Summit's Board of Education appointments?
Mayor Fagan appointed Kimberly Gianis and Jenny Hoff to the BOE. Council Member Lasaracina raised concerns about whether the process followed district bylaws for community engagement — not about the appointees' qualifications.

What happened with the three-minute speaking rule at the June 3 meeting?
Council President Toth applied the three-minute public comment guideline to all speakers, including council members and the mayor. Council Member Boyer argued the rule change required a formal council vote. Toth said the policy is likely to be revisited.

What did the council approve at the June 3 meeting?
The council passed a 5-1 ordinance authorizing a nonprofit to build and operate a group home for individuals with special needs at 701 Springfield Ave, satisfying a component of Summit's affordable housing agreement. The item moves to the planning board next.