COAH
The Town Council Meeting began with the Mayor mentioning the passage of the State bill A500/S1783. One key component of the bill prevents towns in New Jersey from paying another municipality to assume some of it’s mandated affordable housing requirements. This was always a poor form of relief for towns seeking to avoid the suburban sprawl that defines New Jersey, but it was an option. There is a provision that will allow the Town Council to apportion $20,000 from the Housing Trust Fund to reassess their development plans, and a provision that allows the State to seize those funds if they remain uncommitted over a period of time. The Oakland Journal has previously detailed how New Jersey has significantly more people per square mile than any other state in the nation, with a particularly dense population in Trenton. The bill did raise the maximum income qualification for affordable housing from $63,000 to $87,000.
Public Session
As the new restaurant that recently opened across from Shoprite has received enormous press coverage, it should be noted that it adds little to the fabric of downtown Oakland. The numerous small businesses that line the streets and stripmalls of Oakland need more than the rave reviews offered their upper crust competitor. In response to this situation, The Council was questioned as to whether they will be reviewing the ban on outdoor seating for eating establishments in the borough. This ban, in addition to other ordinances that need review, has a significant effect on the viability of small businesses. The Council indicated that they hope to take the new ordinance under consideration at their next meeting. Those establishments serving alcohol will also be included, but additional ordinances in existence will need to be addressed and might delay that aspect.
Pinnacle
The Council will be moving full force with their application to attain a five million dollar grant to purchase the “Pinnacle” property. The owners have not ruled out a willingness to sell the property to Oakland, and the depressed housing market might play a part in their decisions. The Town needs to apply and attain the grant, which is estimated to be about half the cost, to show a good faith effort in acquiring the necessary funds before entering into serious negotiations. Additional grants with various agencies will be applied for as the process moves forward.
Budget Passed
In the mostly empty council chambers, the 2008 budget was summarized and passed. Oakland resident Mike Kozak discussed briefly the positive work put forth to complete the budget; and, referenced that the mysterious premature debt payment may, years from now, be a blessing in disguise. He went on to question The Council as to what efforts are being made to reign in salaries, benefits and pensions in an effort to control spending. He was informed of negotiations with the four unions representing municipal employees and that there appeared to be a good faith effort on all sides. It was noted that the recent budget problems with the State, the impending State wide scandal with the pension funds, and other State cuts being discussed, has created an environment that makes negotiations on the municipal level more difficult.
Click Here to See the Published Budget Resolution
Water & Sewer Hikes
As part of the new budget, an auditors report indicated that a 5% increase in water and a 4% increase in sewer would be needed to meet operating expenses for those services. Although sewer rates were recently raised, water rates have not increased since 2004 and expenses have been met by using a surplus from previous years. This was the first time Council member Stagg and Council member Burns were able to review the process the auditor used to establish these increases. As the two council members are on the Water & Sewer Committee, and tend to be two of the more meticulous council members, they expressed the opinion that proper protocol had been breached.
Smoking Ordinance
The ordinance proposed by the Municipal Alliance that would prohibit smoking on public property will be discussed at the next council meeting. The ordinance as it now stands would apply to residents 19 years old and younger. Some Council members had previously raised issues with regard to the age being 19 rather than 18; and, questions as to how to define public space, and if it would require public smokers to carry identification papers should they be stopped by police. Council member Burns indicated that the Recreation Commission was open to discussing the possibility of prohibiting smoking at the Rec fields.
Reverse 911
The Council discussed a new option now available that would give the town greater control over the management of the Reverse 911 calling system. The ability to hands-on manage the system would allow the town to conduct targeted calls for areas that are specifically affected by a developing situation rather than the entire populace.
Flood Mitigation
In order for Oakland to apply for FEMA grants that could be used to address flood issues and environmental concerns, a flood mitigation plan must be prepared. A preliminary plan will be prepared for between $2,000 and $3,000, and The Council will then focus on what issues FEMA will want to see in a final proposal.
Council Reports
–It was announced that this past Spring, a survey by The North Jersey Media Group earned the Oakland DPW honorable mention as one of the more efficient organizations of its kind.
–The Shade Tree Commission has some trees left that need to be planted. The original locations are no longer available, so residents are asked to contact borough hall if they wish to suggest a spot.
–There are concerns about the condition of the Rec field bathrooms. They are presently only serviced 3 days a week and additional funds may be needed to expand this coverage. Residents are asked to make an effort to be responsible and keep the facilities clean.
Personnel
On a vote to approve the filling of a position which has alternately been described as a Deputy Court Clerk and/or Clerk Typist, Council member Don Burns did not vote and was joined by Council member Stagg who voted no. As detailed prior to the resolution being voted on, Council member Burns explained that he had applied for the position last December, and felt the process was deeply flawed. Explaining that he explicitly requested that his application be treated in the normal fashion, the questionable process was set in motion. Council member Burns, understanding that he would need to resign his council seat should he be hired for the position, was interviewed while Judge Blum was still presiding. The other candidate, who eventually was awarded the position last night, also interviewed at this time. Meanwhile, the borough experienced some administrative changes: Judge Blum being replaced with Judge Conti, and the hiring of a new borough administrator. During the course of these changes, the new judge was never informed that two viable candidates for the position had been identified. Mr. Burns’ name was not forwarded to the new judge, and the other applicant became the lead candidate with the judge’s recommendation. Eventually informed that another candidate existed, the judge rescinded his recommendation. The process continued for weeks longer with Council member Burns being the sole official applicant while the position was temporarily filled by the other candidate. But the ordeal ended last night with the appointment of the other candidate, and a disconcerted Council member reviewing the muddled process with consideration as to whether discrimination may have played a role.
The council member wished the new Deputy Court Clerk well, but wanted the public to understand his position. As a council member well known for addressing specifics in discussion and resolution, Council member Burns showed an obvious sense of concern that what should have been a routine hiring process had become so convoluted.
Open Space Referendum
The council approved a referendum that will put the open space tax extension on the ballot in November. As previously described in The Journal, Oakland’s Open Space program provides it with preferential application processes, and preferred status for gaining matching funds.