Oakland Borough Council Approves Key Infrastructure Projects and Addresses Community Concerns
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
01/23/2024
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Recording Published:
01/23/2024
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Duration:
68 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Oakland
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Oakland Borough Council meeting, significant infrastructure projects were given the green light, including the approval of a contract with Boswell Engineering for the Patriots Way Bridge construction and an IT upgrade for the police department. Concerns were also raised by residents regarding the lack of communication on community issues, such as the incident of anti-Semitism at Ramapo High School.
The council unanimously approved the resolution to contract Boswell Engineering for the Patriots Way Bridge replacement, reflecting a commitment to full-time project coverage, additional oversight, and administrative support. The total cost is not to exceed $1,150,000 and will be funded through Department of Transportation grants. The project’s importance was underscored by discussions about the potential impact of utility relocations on the project’s timeline and budget, as well as strategies to mitigate delays from utility companies.
Furthering the council’s focus on modernization, a capital ordinance was passed for technological improvements, most notably an upgrade to the police department’s computer network and the completion of the fiber ring project. This upgrade, necessitated by the aging of the current network and advancements in cybersecurity, involves a total cost of $440,000. The council discussed the technicalities of the project in detail.
The meeting also shed light on a contract amendment concerning the planning contract for affordable housing, which required an additional $30,000 to support compliance efforts and ongoing litigation since 2015. Council members requested updates on the progress of affordable housing compliance efforts and the expected outcomes of the amendment.
In addition to these major projects, the council addressed the 2024 Road Program and the rehabilitation of the Len Lane Bridge, built in 1979 and due for work. The road program, with a budget of approximately $1.45 million, sparked debate among council members about the timeline and selection of roads for inclusion. The Len Lane Bridge rehabilitation, set to follow the Patriots Way Bridge Project, brought up discussions about the potential use of DOT funding and the importance of preparedness for a shovel-ready project.
A resident’s concern about the council’s response to an anti-Semitic incident at Ramapo High School led to a broader conversation about the council’s role in clear communication and addressing community issues. Although the council did not issue a statement, they later addressed the matter, affirming their pro-Israel stance, referencing a resolution passed in October 2023 condemning Hamas and expressing support for Israel. The council stressed the gravity of the incident and mentioned an ongoing investigation but refrained from further comment.
Other topics included a presentation by representatives from Community Solar, John Ren and Steven Boler, who sought the council’s support for solar projects in the borough, emphasizing the community benefits. The Green Team proposal for a community solar project aimed at helping low and moderate income residents was also approved. The council pledged to involve the Green Team in the initiative, with 51% of the solar energy to be allocated to these residents.
The council granted a raffle license for the Valley Middle School PTO and appointed members to various boards and committees. Discussions and debates ensured a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the appointees. Appointments were made for the Affordable Housing Attorney, the Flood Commission, the Arts Committee, the Environmental Commission, and the Board of Adjustments.
Council members shared liaison reports on a range of topics, including recent police activities, upcoming Oakland Green Team meetings, and events at the Oakland Public Library. The Communications Commission discussed bylaws and the need for a new video server, while future meetings for the Shade Tree Commission and Access for All were announced.
The council also addressed the issue of a dump on West Oak, with the borough attorney confirming that legal action would be taken if necessary, following a report from the Bergen County Utilities Authority. The council considered exploring a similar approach in Oakland.
Eric Kulmala
City Council Officials:
Steven Saliani, Jodi Goffredo, John McCann, Pat Pignatelli, Kevin Slasinski, Russell Talamini
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
01/23/2024
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Recording Published:
01/23/2024
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Duration:
68 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Oakland
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