The Town meeting began with the Mayor’s report repeating the borough’s plan to pursue a grant to fund an audit of municipal buildings in an effort to become more energy efficient. With allocations up to one hundred thousand dollars available, the town would be responsible for 25% of the cost with the potential of recouping that 25% should suggestions be implemented.
The Mayor also reported on the progress taking place within the Environmental Commission which is exploring the idea of a green fair to help educate the public on products, processes, and daily habits which can add to a healthier environment. Specifically noted was the success of the Maplewood Green Day which brought in numerous vendors to discuss green products and technologies, as well as stations geared towards education on environmental matters. There was mention of recycling/composting as a way of benefiting the environment and the budget. The mayor seemed to imply that there was potential for significant revenue from recycling, but there was no specifics as to where the monies would be coming from as the recycling industry has tanked globally.
The Town will also be completing is filings for a grant to study the benefits in placing the entire borough under the auspices of the Highlands Master Plan. By filing an intent to comply and have the entire town placed under the tighter restrictions of the Highlands Master Plan, Oakland will gain an extra year to submit a COAH plan originally due by December 31st. This option is unique to towns that fall under both the preservation and planning areas of the Highlands plan, and offers the municipality a generous extension not available to others.
Public Session
Frank Monaco, with tongue in cheek, expressed a sense of resignation with regards to how the council would proceed with the tennis project now that the elections are over. His analogy concerned a willingness for the town to pay for $18 dollar hamburgers in reference to the expected tax increase required to fund the project. Moving on, he questioned the viability of the town employing windmill technology to fuel the municipal buildings which are congregated together. Mr. Monaco had previously researched a windmill for his own property but lacked the necessary space and felt that it might prove economically beneficial in the municipal building area.
Tennis Courts
The tennis court project moved forward with the approval of funds for engineering reports to be compiled prior to putting the project out to bid. The resolution to approve the monies was met with a little resistance as Council members Stagg, Di Pentima, and Pignatelli sought to table the motion till the next council meeting when subbase tests will have been completed. The concern was over the additional expense being accrued due to the engineering company creating three different designs for bid. The three council members believed that should the tests come back showing significant problems with the subbase, it might rule out one of the proposed designs thereby negating a need to pay for the design work.
Mayor Szabo, complaining that it was the council who wanted the option of three designs, saw no reason to slow the project down. He argued that nothing could result from the test that would alter the council’s need to have all three bids. Although council member Di Pentima did not see any great hardship if the worst case scenario resulted in the tennis season opening two weeks late, the trio’s motion to table was defeated by the mayor’s deciding vote. The council then voted unanimously to approve the design funds which are not to exceed $75,000.
Debt Approval
The council approved increasing the town’s debt as discussed in their special meeting October 28th. The additional funding for the tennis court construction was not included; this was covered in the last council meeting report.
Although the floor was open to the residents for each bond approval, there were no public comments.
Leasing Land
Responding to resident inquiries, Council member Stagg raised the subject of leasing borough land adjacent to a homeowner’s property. The borough owns certain lots that they prefer to keep open, but may consider the possibility of leasing the property for limited use. The subject will be discussed further with regard to what benefit it offers the town, and what complications it might create amongst neighbors all interested in leasing the property.
Shade Tree Commission Grant
The Shade Tree Commission, comprised of Oakland volunteers, presented a proposal for the town to seek a $4,500 grant with the town potentially responsible for $1,500. The grant would fund a tree management plan compiled by a certified consultant. The debate over the need for the study appeared to reflect some incongruities with how the council discusses public expenditures.
Council Reports
Council member Burns reported that the Shade Tree Commission has been working well with the Eden Developers and, except for an isolated incident, are seeing their goals met.
Council member Di Pentima noted The Women’s Club will be conducting a food drive for Oakland residents hit hard by the economy. Boxes are being set up in schools, and their will soon be a site for drop off in The Copper Tree Mall.
Council member Pignatelli mentioned that The Board of Health is getting local businesses to attend an eighteen hour course on food protection. It was not specified if the course was being provided locally or in Trenton.