The proposed shared service agreement with Oakland would require Pompton Lakes to hire nine additional full-time employees, with a projected total cost of nearly $400,000. This cost accounts for salaries, fringe benefits, pension costs, as well as fuel and maintenance expenses. Oakland is currently paying approximately $1.7 million for solid waste collection, and with a potential 2% increase due to bidding, their costs could rise to about $1.9 million. Pompton Lakes would charge an administrative fee starting at $133,000, expected to increase to $180,000 by the fifth year, and anticipates generating nearly $1 million in net revenue over the agreement’s duration.

The additional staff would primarily focus on solid waste collection until early afternoon on collection days, after which they could assist with other municipal tasks, such as road maintenance or park services. This adjustment aims to address existing staffing limitations. Concerns about the possible reduction in collection days for Oakland residents, due to differing holiday schedules, were acknowledged.

The agreement includes the necessity for Pompton Lakes to purchase two additional garbage trucks and 33 dumpsters for Oakland’s municipal facilities, with these costs factored into the financial model. The potential for increased revenue from the recycling center was also discussed, albeit with expectations for minimal usage by Oakland residents. The Department of Public Works (DPW) supervisor expressed strong support for the plan, citing the feasibility and potential for facilitating future plans for a new DPW garage funded by the agreement.

Discussions also touched on the logistics and financial implications of such a partnership, with assurances regarding competitive salaries for DPW workers. The council recognized challenges in retaining staff due to salary disparities with neighboring towns, and it was suggested that additional revenue from the agreement could support future salary negotiations.

The anticipated start date for the agreement is January 1 of the following year, with preparations for implementation planned for the summer months. This includes hiring new personnel and making necessary logistical arrangements. Concerns about long-term financial risks were voiced by residents during the public comment section.

In addition to the shared service agreement, other topics of interest during the meeting included discussions on infrastructure projects and public safety issues. The council addressed the need for repairs to a storm drain on KFax Avenue, with a site visit planned with the borough engineer to develop cost estimates. Concerns about speeding on Wanq Avenue and the presence of commercial vehicles parked overnight on residential streets were also raised, prompting discussions about police enforcement.

The meeting also featured recognition of the volunteer fire department for their response to a major fire at the Golden Palace Chinese restaurant and a nearby nail salon. The council expressed gratitude for the volunteer firefighters’ quick response, noting no injuries were reported. The rescue of a 12-year-old girl who had spent the night alone in the woods was also highlighted, with appreciation for the coordinated efforts of search and rescue teams, police, and fire departments from surrounding areas.

The council further discussed the potential return of grass collection services, reflecting strong resident sentiment on the issue. The Mayor expressed gratitude to local emergency services for their efforts during recent incidents, emphasizing the importance of community safety and collaboration.

Discussions on public safety also included potential regulations for electric bikes, particularly concerning speed and reckless riding. A council member recounted an incident involving individuals riding an electric bike at high speeds without helmets, prompting discussions about drafting an ordinance to regulate their use. Concerns about reckless riding on sidewalks and the potential danger to pedestrians, especially children, were emphasized.