One notable issue discussed at the meeting centered on the need for a forward planning committee to address changes in affordable housing laws. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the upcoming deadline of March 31st, 2025, to file a declaratory judgment and update the master plan. The council considered the impact of the new Fair Housing Act on the town’s character, expressing the need to proactively plan for the future. The new legislation’s implications on the town prompted the council to schedule educational sessions for the public with a planner and affordable housing attorney for the upcoming April 9th meeting.

In addition to the affordable housing discussion, the meeting served as an occasion to honor community members. The council approved a plaque to honor the late Fred Burks for his contributions to the development of the town. The plaque is to be placed near the OCC room. Furthermore, the council recognized the achievements of state wrestling champions and qualifiers from Oakland, and welcomed a new Junior firefighter, Anthony Mah.

Public engagement at the meeting was robust. During the public comment period, a resident from 33 Winding Ridge raised questions about a 3.5% increase in the budget, the accessibility of budget documents, a potential typo in a resolution, and ongoing legal services regarding Ramapo Mountain Lakes. The resident’s concerns included a request for the budget document to be made available on the website or through email and clarification on why the budget was read by title only. The council discussed amending bylaws to address public questions and provide answers following public comment.

Fiscal responsibility and administrative matters were also on the agenda. The Chief Financial Officer introduced the budget process, explaining the resolutions and ordinances involved, and the council approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on March 12th, 2024. Special announcements included authorizing raffles for the mothers club for cancer research and appointments to various committees such as the Arts committee, zoning board, and shade tree committee.

Another topic of debate was the proposal to use fobs for the tennis courts, with concerns voiced about the impact on accessibility for residents. The council also deliberated the ramifications of the Fair Housing Act on the town’s housing policies.

The meeting also served as a platform for committee reports, which included environmental initiatives like a lantern fly program grant, a town cleanup event, and a styrofoam drive. Updates on fire hydrant flushing, the construction of Bush Plaza, and a budget hearing for local schools were presented. The Public Safety Committee reported on police activities, and the library shared its upcoming programs and events.

Infrastructure projects were also a topic of discussion, with Mayor Eric Kulmala reporting on the development of the Lenar property, the upcoming visit by County Commissioners to the proposed recycling center site, the progress on the construction of Bush Plaza, and road paving programs. The mayor announced improvements to the West Oakland guardrail and litter patrol, an upcoming styrofoam drive, and the Hometown Heroes flag program in partnership with the American Legion and Marine Corps League. Additionally, the council discussed updates on the bridge project, including plans for monthly project status meetings and traffic-related measures.