A resident, Jody Gfredo, expressed frustration with the affordable housing lottery conducted via Zoom, which seemed to disadvantage local families. Gfredo, who volunteers at a local food pantry, helped families apply for affordable housing and categorized them into very low, low, and moderate-income groups. She observed that many lottery participants were not Oakland residents, citing an incident where a participant was visibly on a beach during the lottery. Gfredo was concerned that Oakland families, some struggling with health issues, were placed low on the lottery list, which did not prioritize local residents. She urged the council to advocate for local families. In response, a council member clarified that state law does not permit Oakland to prioritize its residents in affordable housing lotteries, unlike urban municipalities such as Hackensack. This state policy aims to integrate communities by allowing non-residents to participate. Despite the explanation, Gfredo insisted that the council should push for legislative amendments to support local families better.

Traffic safety on Route 287 was another significant topic of concern. Resident Ryan Schwarzbaker highlighted the ongoing work by the Department of Transportation on Route 287, addressing the inconvenience caused by the construction but acknowledging the necessity of the improvements. Schwarzbaker urged the council to discuss potential enhancements with the state, such as decorative traffic light poles to improve the downtown area’s aesthetic during renovations. He also raised issues of speeding and the sharp curve on Route 287. Schwarzbaker noted a public comment period for Route 287 work, encouraging residents to share their thoughts from June 16th to June 30th.

Mayor Eric Kulmala provided updates on several issues, including the ongoing paving work set to begin in the north end of town in late June, following public service work. The paving project includes the replacement of McCoy Road, funded by a nearby subdivision’s property owner. Kulmala also announced a new solid waste contract with Pompton Lakes starting July 1st, promising detailed information to residents via mail and social media. The Mayor highlighted the upcoming carnival scheduled for June 17th to 20th, with a special access program for individuals with disabilities on Saturday. Additionally, he mentioned recent police officer hiring interviews, with a swearing-in ceremony planned for the next council meeting on June 23rd.

An update on affordable housing noted a hearing with Judge Cranston to discuss the process, though no substantial updates were available. The anticipated opening of a McDonald’s in the area was discussed, with a temporary certificate of occupancy expected that week and a soft opening shortly thereafter. Improvement work on Routes 28, 202, and 287 was mentioned, with ongoing night work by the DOT to enhance infrastructure, including pavement and sidewalk repairs.

During the meeting, the council approved several resolutions, including the appointment of municipal representatives to the Bergen County Community Redevelopment Regional Committee. The Mayor designated Administrator Coons and the CFO as appointees, with the resolution receiving unanimous approval. Other approved resolutions included tax refunds for overpayment, tax exemption refunds for a disabled veteran, recreation refunds, and several hires and payouts related to camp staff and personnel matters. Liquor license renewals for 2026-2027 and a contract for appraisal systems for annual reassessment were also authorized. A resolution to auction surplus property and equipment was approved unanimously.

The council addressed community events, with updates including a new member of the Environmental Commission and an outdoor market scheduled for Saturday. The Shade Tree Committee reported a full slate of volunteers and discussed a deer density report indicating a significant deer population in Oakland. The committee’s next meeting was announced for July 13th to address deer management. Public events included details about the carnival, with specific information about access for all on Saturday and wristband pricing.

In committee reports, the Department of Public Works (DPW) was noted to be conducting leak studies in preparation for road repaving, assuring no water service disruption for residents. Upcoming meetings for the Green Team and a planned movie screening at the senior center were mentioned, with a discussion to follow the screening.