The topic of the tennis court rehabilitation project was another point of discussion. A co-chairman of the Oakland team tennis league voiced concerns about the timing of the resurfacing work potentially clashing with the league’s ongoing season. The council held a dialogue on the matter, ultimately moving forward with the Big Tennis Court Rehabilitation project, but not before a pre-construction meeting with the contractor to understand and address these concerns.

Financial aspects of community events were also scrutinized, particularly the discussion about the cost of hosting fireworks, which was projected to result in a financial loss of approximately $101,000. The council considered the financial loss against the income generated from public events like the Access for All Carnival, which funds other borough activities such as the Memorial Day Parade and Halloween events. The council was provided with a detailed breakdown of the carnival’s financials and attendance, including the most popular rides and considerations for changes in the next year’s event.

Public safety and community support issues surfaced during the meeting. Concerns about bias incidents and the need for protection of LGBTQ individuals were raised by residents, alongside a request for the display of a Pride flag in the borough during Pride month. A resident brought forth allegations of conspiracy and racketeering involving the local police, seeking assistance from the municipal court. The council was urged to show support for the LGBTQ community by attending a Pride event.

Infrastructure and public facilities discussions continued with updates on various ongoing projects. The mayor reported on the completion of the road paving program and future paving projects for streets in the borough. Discussions also took place regarding the restoration of Allerman Brook and the bids for the tennis courts.

Community events and programs were a focus in the council reports. Updates were given on the opening of the WCK rec camp, preparation for a new craft fair, and the success of the recent carnival. The Department of Public Works (DPW) updated on road repairs, annual outfall inspections, and the importance of reporting street light outages. Public safety statistics for May were shared, along with library updates, including the summer reading program and other upcoming events.

The council took the opportunity to recognize the efforts of poll workers and super poll workers in New Jersey elections through a proclamation, particularly acknowledging their service amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A social affairs permit for the Oakland Elks Lodge was approved for a poker night fundraiser set for August 2024. This event is expected to engage the community and support local initiatives.

In personnel matters, the meeting included the approval of the reappointment of school crossing guards and the hiring of new police officers for the upcoming school year. A swearing-in ceremony for the appointed officers followed, where they took their oaths of service.

The consent agenda addressed various administrative items, including the hire of a confidential secretary for the police chief and the appointment of an alternate school crossing guard. The council also authorized refunds and grants during this segment of the meeting.

The council considered and approved various ordinances and resolutions, including the purchase of pickup trucks, engineering services, liquor licenses, and funding sources, with some members abstaining from specific votes.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the downtown corridor and streetscape ordinance, aimed at beautifying the downtown area with improvements to sidewalks, lighting, trees, and benches. The council expressed support for these aesthetic enhancements and the need to codify the standards for the downtown area.