Mayor Eric Kulmala began the meeting by reporting progress on several ongoing projects such as the PFOA water treatment, the Water Patriot Way Bridge, Lakeside construction, and the sewer project. His report included efforts by the Department of Public Works in snow removal and updates on the recycling center. The mayor also attended a county commissioner meeting to discuss the recycling center’s location and announced upcoming events, including a blood drive and an open house at the Van Allen house.

During the public comment period, the decision to remove the second open public session was challenged by several residents who desired more transparency and public input. Another resident suggested a supervised hunt to control the deer population and also voiced concerns about neighborhood flooding due to a neighbor’s property modifications. The council assured the residents that their issues had been referred to the appropriate departments for further investigation and action.

The council approved several raffle licenses for organizations such as the Oakland Franklin Lakes Rotary, SJG Home and School Association, Steven J. Grari HSA, White Cof Reform Church, Hubbard School PTO, and Boy Scout Troop 89. A conflict emerged over a raffle license for the Sports Association of Oakland, which was ultimately approved with Council President Steven Saliani abstaining from the vote. A social affairs permit for the Oakland Elks for a comedy night was also approved, with Councilwoman Jodi Goffredo abstaining.

The meeting addressed the 2024 reassessment program and awarded a contract to Associated Appraisal Group. Borough Administrator Mr. Coons outlined the program’s goals to maintain property assessments close to market values, spread costs annually, and ensure fairness and equity. While not every house is visually inspected each year, assessments are based on comparable neighborhood sales. The council approved the contract, with Councilwoman Goffredo abstaining.

A resolution opposing A4S50 concerning affordable housing was unanimously passed by the council. The bill proposed changes in calculating affordable housing obligations, potentially shifting decision-making to unelected experts. The council also authorized a developer’s agreement for a project behind Union Hills High School, discussed at length, with the developer assuring compliance with stormwater management regulations.

The council discussed various appointments, including those to the Oakland Borough Planning Board, and addressed residents’ concerns. A construction project was debated, focusing on the timing of tree clearing to prevent a 6-month delay related to the Indiana bat’s presence. The council also discussed property management for the rental units and the integration of rain gardens into the development.

The council introduced an ordinance for infrastructure improvements for the PD Network and another to amend funding sources for prior capital ordinances, reallocating funds from the open space trust fund for park developments. The council also examined an ordinance to amend the code related to the Recreation Commission to establish a recreation trust fund. Mr. Coons explained that this change would address budget issues by allowing current year fees to fund programs in the same year, moving from a commission to a committee structure.

An ordinance to revise construction fees was adopted. The council also discussed the adoption of an ordinance amending Recreation fees, an annual adjustment to ensure fees cover program costs.

The council discussed a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce for sponsorship of recreational baseball and softball. The adoption of Ordinance 24 Code 939, which amends recreation fees, was unanimously passed. Work session items included Keller Williams’ request to use the Shoppers parking lot for their grand opening, which was approved, and the establishment of a recreation trust fund, met with agreement from the council.

Notable developments in the meeting included the progress of property buyouts in phase three and preparations for phase four, requiring updated appraisals due to changes in Green Acres rules. The committee liaison reports emphasized community events, with the Shade Tree Commission’s Arbor Day presentations and the Access for All Committee’s Easter egg hunt. The Public Events Committee is planning an Easter egg hunt as their first event of the year.

The Administration and Public Health Committees discussed the need for an IT infrastructure improvement bond and reviewed the Health Risk Manager’s benefits package. Councilman Russell Talamini reported on his first Recreation Committee meeting, noting the necessity of changes, while Councilman Pat Pignatelli highlighted the First Aid Squad’s high call response rate and upcoming 70th anniversary.