During the meeting, the borough attorney provided a critical update on labor negotiations with the police department. The borough has filed for interest arbitration due to stalled negotiations, and the attorney emphasized that discussions were constrained by ongoing litigation. This move comes amidst allegations from a resident, Matt Dumpert, who accused the Oakland PBA of exerting undue pressure on elected officials during the early voting period. Dumpert criticized the PBA for allegedly manipulating the borough’s financial standing and intentionally delaying negotiations over retiree benefits to influence council elections. He characterized the PBA’s actions as bullying and supported the council’s decision to seek arbitration.

Concerns over public safety were prominent, with Steve Penoszian addressing the council about speeding issues along a stretch of road between Patriots Way Bridge and Ramulo Valley Road. Penoszian noted a marked increase in speeding incidents and shared a personal account of a driver failing to heed his cautionary signal. He humorously suggested that addressing the speeding problem could serve as a “new revenue stream” for the municipality, but underscored the need for action to ensure community safety. Additionally, Penoszian raised questions about political expression. He expressed concern about the potential chilling effect on free expression within the community.

Animal welfare advocacy took center stage as Jill Kleti and Richard Detsky urged the council to enact a local ordinance aligning with the Humane Pet Store Bill of New Jersey. Kleti emphasized the need to prohibit the sale of puppies from mills in Oakland, pointing to the poor conditions in which these animals are bred and the implications for consumer awareness. She highlighted the importance of encouraging adoption and preventing animal suffering through local legislation. Detsky supported Kleti’s call, noting similar ordinances adopted by other municipalities in Bergen County and urging Oakland to join the movement against puppy mills.

The council meeting also addressed routine matters, such as the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and the authorization of raffle licenses for local organizations. The consent agenda included resolutions for budget transfers and infrastructure grants, which passed unanimously without separate discussion.

Committee liaison reports provided updates on various community initiatives. The shade tree committee discussed a forestry management plan and a drone survey to assess the local deer population, while the arts committee announced an upcoming outdoor market. The recreation committee promoted a Thanksgiving morning 5K run at Indian Hills High School as a community engagement event. Public safety reports celebrated the swearing-in of new fire department members and acknowledged their rigorous training program, alongside plans for a “Driving Santa” event to involve volunteers.