Oakland Rec Restructuring Center Stage 4

Left to Right: James Berrian, JoAnn Cribier, Chairman Steve Wagoner, Treasurer Neil Malmud, Bob Scalabrini, Chris Maragulia, Mike Miner, Vice-Chairman Mike Guadagnino

The new proposal commissioned by the mayor to restructure the recreation program so it falls directly under the auspices of the town council was discussed at the November 10th town council meeting.

Mayor’s Report

The mayor read a lengthy statement expressing appreciation for the work of the volunteer Recreation Commission, but stated his belief that the system has become too complex for volunteers;  the estimated $103,000 spent on a paid director would return benefits to  the town which presently commits approximately $30,000 of taxpayer funds towards the program.

In the prepared statement, the mayor put forth the argument that state mandates from Trenton, and standard operating procedures of the borough, are not being fulfilled and there is no choice but to hire a full time, salaried employee to administer the recreation program and report directly to the mayor and council who are ultimately responsible.

Public Session

During the public session, Recreation Commissioner Steve Wagoner addressed some issues in the report which he said caught him very much by surprise. He noted the report was well written, but questioned the veracity and legitimacy of the core content. The first issue questioned was how the spending of an additional $103,000 could possibly save the town any money; he pointed to the existing processes of open bidding, shared purchases with neighboring towns, and purchase approvals required through the borough administrator.

Mr. Wagoner also referred to situations in Franklin Lakes and Wyckoff where the installation of a paid director evolved to include 2 additional paid positions in the form of assistants and secretaries. He also commented that the volunteers of Oakland are much more involved in field improvements and maintenance,  something that might not continue under the management of a paid director. Referencing Oakland’s 2007 listing in the top 50 places to raise kids in America, Mr. Wagoner commented, “If it’s not broken, why fix it?”

His public comments also addressed points in the report that he said were fallacies, specifically pointing to safety training which he said Oakland provides for coaches in both Oakland & Franklin Lakes. While stating that he would be prepared at a later date to address other issues in the report at future meetings, Mr. Wagoner continued to comment on some points that directly alluded to his performance as a commissioner.

His voice carrying an emotional tremor, he referred to the carnival scheduling two years ago when he protested the carnival date being moved to correspond with the operation of summer day camp. Wagoner believes he was unfairly criticized for his stance at the time. “I was concerned with carnival workers being around our kids in that situation, as were many parents who contacted me.”

Concluding his remarks, Wagoner continued, “A paid director is going to do whatever the town council tells him to do. I’m going to do what I think is best for the town.”

After Wagoner’s public comment, the mayor summoned him back to the podium and began to read a list of questions intended to foster the argument for a paid position. The interrogatories were followed by Wagoner’s continued emphasis that the majority of subjects were being addressed, and that a part time position would expedite the resolution of the outstanding administrative issues raised by the council.

Work Session Summary

Below is a summary of individual council members position with respect to the restructuring of the the recreation program.

Marcalus

• Does not understand  defensiveness of commissioners.
• All large towns, with the exception of Mahwah whose  population is twice that of Oakland, has a full time director. Mahwah has a part-time administrator.

DiPentima

• Our Borough administrator & CFO should not be spending time overseeing the Recreation budget.
• This should not discourage future volunteers.

Burns

• Borough administrator and CFO will still need to provide oversight
• Action should have been taken a long time ago, but a paid director is an overboard reaction
• Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water

Visconti

• Need to address the problems that have been raised
• Council is responsible for accounting on all tax dollars
• Not convinced a full time position costing $103,000 is the remedy.

Pignatelli

• Aware of some of the procedural issues involved; need to hire someone to help with problems.
• Start with small steps with a part time person.
• Rec fee increases could be a burden to some families