The meeting commenced with a special recognition of the fifth and sixth-grade girls’ soccer team from Oakland, who recently won the Western Bergen County League Championships. The team finished the season with an impressive record of eight wins and one tie. The council proudly acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the young athletes and their volunteer coaches. A brief interruption occurred during the head coach’s remarks, during which he emphasized the importance of striving for excellence in all areas of life, not just in sports. The mayor presented trophies to the team.

In the mayor’s report, several completed infrastructure projects were announced, such as the completion of the guide rail on Patriots Way and the west Oakland water main. Residents in the areas surrounding Truman and Navajo were informed about ongoing grading work to address flooding problems, with topsoil deliveries expected shortly. The mayor also highlighted the community’s participation in recent holiday events, including a successful Christmas tree and Hanukkah lighting ceremony at Veterans Park. The event, credited to the efforts of an individual named Danny, drew significant public attention and was deemed a success.

A notable point of discussion was the proposal to amend the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) agreement for stormwater system improvements. The borough received a $75,000 grant for the next project phase in the Pleasureland neighborhood, targeting sections of Grand View and Acorn Avenue. Due to the borough’s efficient project completion history, an additional $124,000 in grant funding was awarded, covering a substantial portion of the upcoming capital project. This development was met with enthusiasm by council members, who quickly moved to approve the resolution.

Attention then shifted to the council’s deliberations on budgetary and financial matters. A budget transfer concerning the SLO3 program within the police department was approved, ensuring that expected salaries would be covered without imposing an extra financial burden on the borough, as costs were to be borne by the schools. Additionally, resolutions were passed to amend non-union salary structures and authorize recreation refunds. Council members engaged in a discussion regarding the labor attorney’s contract amendments, highlighting concerns about municipal spending. Clarifications were provided.

A significant topic of debate was the location of polling places within the borough. Concerns were raised about the current practice of situating polling places in schools, primarily due to safety issues and the disruption caused to school schedules on election days. One council member pointed out the need to address potential threats and suggested relocating polling places to the library and senior center, both of which are handicap accessible. Although there was a consensus to explore this relocation option by initiating discussions with the county clerk, it was noted that previous attempts had faced statutory challenges.

The meeting also touched on the issue of a recent election tie, necessitating a recount and potentially a costly special election. This situation prompted debate over the fairness and financial implications for the borough, with suggestions for implementing a tiebreaker rule, such as a coin flip, to avoid incurring additional costs. However, it was clarified that New Jersey law treats tied elections as vacancies, allowing for the introduction of new candidates rather than simply recounting existing votes.

In terms of community updates, the Shade Tree Committee reported on tree removal permits and replacement efforts, while seeking volunteers to fill open positions. The Oakland Television Committee expressed gratitude for increased donations and announced the upcoming availability of a program featuring recent holiday lighting events. Additionally, a noon New Year’s Eve party for senior citizens was announced, scheduled for December 31st, with a fee of $15.