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The Town Council meeting held January 14th covered committee & board assignments, an appeal for more community volunteers, a projection of financial challenges facing the borough, and a variety of administrative actions.
The Mayors Report
The Mayor reported on the progress taking place as Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, and Oakland seek to pool their knowledge and expertise to assist each other in finding ways to keep spending down. Besides the exchange of ideas and suggestions, the councils achieved concrete results during the course of their first collective meeting.
In an effort to gain greater bargaining power, the three towns are submitting a collective bid with regard to recreation equipment. The ability to act collectively makes the bid more attractive to vendors, and in turn should result in significant savings for each municipality. This was accomplished in the course of the first of regularly scheduled meetings aimed at maintaining quality services while keeping costs down. The Mayor reported that Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, and Oakland have agreed to meet on a monthly basis to continue further discussions.
The Mayor also noted his intention to begin compiling and making public a list of grants/programs that are being developed to help local businesses. The state and federal government are creating initiatives to foster job growth and capital improvements in businesses and that information will be made available on the town website in the near future.
The Council is expected to have a challenging year with regards to the budget. Last year’s process was substantially delayed due to the late budget submitted by the state. This year local municipalities are looking not only to see what state aid will be provided by Trenton, but also what type of bailout will be provided by the federal government. In a domino effect, the state must see how much –if any- relief comes from Washington before deciding how much aid will be cut to municipalities.
Appointments
The new Council President, Karen Marcalus, read off the recommendations for new committee chairs and council liaisons. There was limited discussion as most council members will continue in their existing roles. Councilman Burns expressed some concern over not having been assigned as a primary to any committee, but it appears to have resulted from a miscommunication between the councilman and the council president.
Appointments for professional services resulted in the recommendation for a new bond advisor for the borough. This decision was promoted by Council member Frank Di Pentima in conjunction with the town’s CFO. It was believed that the new firm would be able to provide a greater array of services to the borough. The municipal bond market, like the majority of the economy, is sluggish.
The appointment of Boswell Engineering to continue representing the town was rejected by Council member Betsy Stagg, but approved by the rest of the council. Stagg, who is often required to work with the firm due to her technical expertise, found they were not responsive enough to the borough. Although Mayor Szabo detailed conversations with the firm’s owner over the quality of services being rendered, he was unable to sway Stagg to support the move to re-appointment. The remaining council members did approve keeping Boswell, but with expectations that their continued representation will be reviewed quarterly and/or monthly.
Appointments to municipal boards took place, and the Mayor appealed to residents interested in filling a number of vacancies to contact borough hall. There are 2 vacancies on the Planning Board, 1 vacancy on the Board of Adjustments, and 1 vacancy on the Communications Commission
Highlands Act
The town’s intention to conform to the Highlands Master Plan continues in the feasibility stages. An initial $15,000 grant to be used to conduct a study to evaluate the impact on the town being in full compliance will be provided to Oakland, and last night the council announced an effort to attain an additional $50,000-$100,000 grant.
Bergen County Fees
Due to a dramatic increase in fees associated with services rendered by Bergen County with regard to inspections, animal control, and other health issues, the Council has sought out alternative providers. The alternative providers, and negotiations on the remaining services from the county, are expected to yield savings in the vicinity twenty five thousand.
Council President Marcalus raised the issue of another 8,000 in savings by following the lead of Franklin Lakes whose alternative animal control provider is charging 11,000 compared to the County charging Oakland 19,000.
Health
Council member Pignatelli detailed that 2008 had 7 children from Oakland making 15 visits to for medical services. Well Childcare in Waldwick provides basic services for Oakland children not covered by conventional insurance plans.
It was also reported that the Oakland Volunteer First Aid Squad reported on 51 calls for assistance in the month of December.
After reviewing Bergen County’s emergency planning, and holding discussions with Wyckoff’s Office of Emergency Management, it is being recommended that Oakland prepare plans to establish its own Point of Distribution should a health emergency arrive. These plans are put in place to respond to a pandemic situation requiring the distribution of medicine. Council member Pignatelli’s recommendation was to coordinate a team of volunteers who would be responsible for dispensing medication to the local population rather than residents having to travel to a county site which would presumably be overwhelmed.
Shade Tree Commission
Council member Burns detailed the planting of 40-50 trees by the Shade Tree Commission. The Commission collected $7,200 in fees with 288 permits.
Library
Council member Visconti noted a 14% increase in circulation at the library, and announced plans for a Book Club with details to follow.
New Time for Council Meetings
The Council is considering a change from 8pm to 7:30pm for future council meetings. There has been no agreement, and the subject will be furthered discussed.
Infrastructure & Funding
Council member Pignatelli suggested the council and borough administrators begin coordinating with department heads regarding future infrastructure projects. Discussions in Washington and Trenton indicate that any bail out measure will probably include monies intended for public works and infrastructure. It was felt that having a compiled list of projects and plans will allow the borough to move swiftly in seeking whatever funds become available.
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