Some issues discussed at the town council meeting…
Surplus Land Auction
One of the first items discussed in the public session of the Oakland Town council meeting dealt with the auction of surplus property by the borough. The auction for three odd sized lots, formerly homes to outdated water towers, was held immediately prior to the council meeting. In response to a question from a resident, the public was informed that there were no bids for the properties. Questions were raised as to how the minimum bid level was established, and if selling in a “buyers” market was wise at this time. Two of the properties appear to have gone down in value based on the soft housing market, while one has increased slightly. The council still believes that there is a viable market for the properties, and having fulfilled the auction obligation, are now free to engage brokers to assist in the sale. Although not all in attendance agreed with the timing of the sale, there was a general consensus that these properties are best suited for residential purposes and it would not be prudent to consider the parcels for open space.
Was it Colonel Mustard, in the study, with a wire transfer?
Questions are still swirling on what exactly occurred with the premature loan payment and how it was allowed to happen. The erroneous payment was made in May 2007, and discovered during the course of an annual audit which began in the new year. As sure as the sun rises, Oakland residents were at the podium before the Town Council with some civil, but still unanswered, questions to the mystery. The Bergen County Prosecutor has determined that no criminal activity has occurred, which is spurring on residents’ queries with regard to how an office administrator can control the movement of such large funds without it being noticed. As the internal investigation concerns personnel matters which by law cannot be discussed publicly, the council is postponing a detailed explanation till the appropriate time.
Checks and Balances on Checks
With such a large transaction occurring without any oversight, residents questioned and received assurances with regard to the checks and balances in place for normal operating expenses and purchases. There are departmental, liaison, and administrative safeguards which assure that regular purchases and expenses are accounted for and approved.
Pinnacle Development
The Council continues to pursue the possibility of purchasing the Pinnacle property through County grants, and have authorized the submission of an application that may provide funds to accomplish it. The debacle of the Pinnacle is a lengthy tale, but the Council continues the effort to undo the damage meted out by Judge Harris. In a court decision based on the premise that man serves the law, rather than the law serving man, Judge Harris ruled that Oakland was being unreasonable in their desire to prevent the land’s development. Councilman Joel Brizzi, of East Rutherford, faced the same Trenton and judicial mandates in his town, and told Judge Harris, “…move here, run for office on the overbuilding, affordable housing platform and see how many votes you get.”
It should be noted that New Jersey has more people per square mile than any other state in the nation. New Jersey’s 1,134 residents per square mile is even worse in Bergen County which boasts 3,775 residents per square mile. (Hudson County wins/loses this contest.)
Summer Watering Reminder
The Council reminds residents that although the water supply is plentiful, storage tanks and pumps may become overtaxed should summer water usage experience spikes. They encourage residents to voluntarily follow the “Odd/Even” tradition so as to assure that we do not overtax the system. The Oakland Journal encourages residents to support “Don’t Tax the Water System”, as an easy reminder to water your lawn on days that correspond to your Odd or Even house address.
Coming Up
The council will begin discussions to consider extending the existing open space tax for another five years. It was briefly noted that the tax has provided the matching funds needed for past, and any future, grants attained by the town.